Chinese defense minister said to visit North Korea

Amid rumors that Chinese President Jiang Zemin is visiting North Korea, the Chinese defense minister will go to the North to attend a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Chinese People's Army's participation in the 195-1953 Korean War, diplomatic sources said Thursday.

The sources said that speculations are rife in Beijing over Jiang's North Korean visit, adding that the defense minister who joined the Koran war will be visiting North Korea soon.

Another diplomatic source disclosed that Dandong City, where the Chinese troops assembled prior to their intervention into the war, is busy preparing a colorful rite for the anniversary of the Chinese army's war participation, adding to speculation that a certain high-ranking Chinese official would visit the North.