The transition in North Korea following the death of longtime leader Kim Jong Il is expected to be high on the agenda at a summit between the presidents of China and South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak arrived in China on January 9 for a three-day visit, during which he will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao.
It will be their first meeting since Kim died on December 17.
China is North Korea's closest ally and top trading partner. It has already thrown its support behind Pyongyang's new leader, Kim's son, Jong Un.
compiled from agency reports