South Korea is in talks with China to set up President Park Geun-hye’s visit to Beijing for an early date, Seoul’s top diplomat said Sunday, adding that the trip, if made, could yield much bigger outcomes than expected.

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se made the remark while appearing on KBS television, stressing that Beijing has recently been more cooperative than ever about ending North Korea’s nuclear programs.

Yun said changes in China’s attitude are palpable.

“China took an active part in the process when the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution (on North Korea) in March and it has since been showing a very cooperative attitude about implementing” sanctions, he said. In particular, China’s move to impose sanctions on the North’s Foreign Trade Bank has great meaning, he said.

China has asked many times for Park to visit China as early as possible, and the two sides have been in talks to set up a trip while keeping in mind that a visit should come at an early date, Yun said. Park’s visit to China would come before fall at the latest, he said.

China has been very favorable toward Park since her December election, the diplomat said, adding that he believes her visit to the neighboring country could bring about much greater outcomes than expected. (Yonhap News)