Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un [Yonhap News Agency file photo]

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again evaded specific remarks regarding President Xi Jinping's potential visit to North Korea, stating there is "no information to provide."

During a regular press briefing on the 2nd, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to a question about observations suggesting North Korea might be preparing for Xi's visit by saying, "We have no information to provide on this matter at present."

Recent surveillance footage showing a large structure, presumed to be a review stand, being erected in Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square has led some to analyze that North Korea might be preparing for Xi's visit.

Previously, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had offered a similar response to questions about the possibility of Xi's visit to North Korea last month.

When Yonhap News Agency asked on the 21st of last month if there were plans for President Xi's visit, spokesperson Guo Jia-kun replied, "We have no information to provide at present."

Typically, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses the phrase "no information to provide" when it deems that the stage is not yet appropriate to disclose details such as the holding or schedule of summits or high-level exchanges.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between North Korea and China in 1961.

Against this backdrop, there are speculations of enhanced high-level exchanges between the two countries, along with the possibility of Xi's visit to North Korea.

At one point, there were speculations that Xi might visit North Korea in late last month to early this month, but analyses suggested that it was unlikely to be realized given China's foreign affairs schedule.

Currently, speculations are emerging that Xi might visit North Korea this month, or around July 11th, the 65th anniversary of the treaty's signing.

If Xi's visit to North Korea materializes, it would be his first visit in seven years since June 2019.