Kim's visit could ease tensions: Analyst

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) premier will visit Beijing next week amid tensions over Pyongyang's satellite launch plan, which some nations believe is a long-range missile test.

DPRK Premier Kim Yong-il will meet Chinese leaders during a five-day visit beginning March 17, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said yesterday.

"The leaders will discuss Sino-DPRK relations and international and regional issues of common concern," he said.