The Chinese foreign ministry said Li would arrive in Pyongyang for a three-day visit on Thursday. A military parade commemorating the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea is expected to take place on Friday.
Calling the two countries “friendly neighbours”, the foreign ministry statement on Tuesday said safeguarding, consolidating and developing relations between China and North Korea had always been Beijing’s policy.
“China views this visit as an opportunity to work with [North Korea], guided by the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries,” the statement said.
“[We] will strengthen strategic communication, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and promote the continuous development of the traditional friendly and cooperative relations.”