North Korea has been carrying out expansion and renovation work at its embassy in Beijing, amid growing exchanges between Pyongyang and Beijing, according to news reports.
The work reportedly involves two buildings, including dormitory facilities, inside the embassy compound.
Safety netting believed to be related to construction has been seen around buildings inside the compound and near a bulletin board by the main entrance, according to the sources.
According to reports, there are also signs that North Korean authorities may have sought financial contributions from North Koreans in China to help cover the cost of the work.
Construction at the embassy has previously drawn attention because of the potential for speculation over a possible visit to Beijing by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
However, since Kim's surprise visit to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Oct. 24, the renovations are instead increasingly seen as reflecting a broader rise in exchanges between North Korea and China, including more frequent visits by North Korean officials.
The activity comes as North Korea moves to strengthen ties with China.
The New Yalu River Bridge, linking North Korea's Sinuiju with Dandong, opened last month after years of delays, marking another sign of improving bilateral ties.
Analysts say Pyongyang has reason to reinforce relations with Beijing even as it maintains close ties with Moscow.
North Korea has benefited from closer cooperation with Russia during the war in Ukraine, but China remains its most important long-term economic and diplomatic partner.
The embassy work is therefore viewed more as preparation for expanding personnel exchanges and official contacts than as a clear sign of an imminent visit by Kim.
cheesuk@heraldcorp.com
