N. Korea's top diplomat departs for China

North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has departed Pyongyang for China, the North's state media reported Sunday. North Korea and China have announced that Choe is visiting China from Saturday to Tuesday at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 

Choe's visit to China comes as North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on Oct. 10. The North is reported to be inviting state leaders to the event.