Lee Do-hoon, the special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, will meet with his Chinese counterpart Kong Xuanyou in Seoul on Friday, according to the foreign ministry.
The diplomats will meet to discuss efforts to improve “strategic communication” regarding Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal and share assessments of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s decision to include his hermit state in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Noh Kyu-duk, foreign ministry spokesman, told a press briefing: “The meeting will be held as part of efforts to beef up strategic communication regarding the North’s nuclear problem in line with the agreement reached at a summit between the two countries last year.
“They will also share their assessments of the situation on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of the North’s announcement in the New Year’s Day speech and have in-depth discussion on the direction of their future plans.”
In his New Year’s address, Kim suggested North Korea would allow athletes from the rogue nation to participate in the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
But one expert believes Kim could exploit the Winter Olympics to showcase his military strength in front of the world – despite offering an olive branch to neighbouring South Korea.
Defence expert Harry Kazianis said: “Of course, the South Koreans are going to try and make the best of it but I guarantee the North Koreans are going to use this for propaganda advantage.
“They are going to test an ICBM, or nuclear weapon, or try to hack these Olympics. They are not going to do nothing. They are going to do something.”
The news comes as US President Donald Trump mocked Kim on Twitter by boasting that he had a “bigger and more powerful” nuclear button, following a threat from the chubby dictator who he can nuke anywhere in the USA by pressing a button on his desk.
Mr Trump tweeted: “North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.
“Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!”