Seoul, Sep 2 (IANS): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday embarked on a three-day trip to Pyongyang for talks with his North Korean counterpart, amid speculation that the two sides could discuss a possible visit to Beijing by Kim Jong-un.

Wang left the Beijing international airport in the afternoon, accompanied by Ministry officials, including spokesperson Hua Chunying, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Last week, Beijing's Foreign Ministry said Wang will leave China on Monday for a three-day visit to North Korea, without giving further details on his trip.

The North's Korean Central News Agency also reported Saturday that Wang will "soon visit" the North at the invitation of North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho.

Wang's visit comes as North Korea has been ramping up criticism of the UnS amid a prolonged impasse in their nuclear talks.

On Saturday, Pyongyang's First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said expectations for talks with the US were disappearing.

A source in Beijing earlier said Wang could meet with Kim during his stay in Pyongyang, adding that the North Korean leader could also visit China in return for Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Pyongyang in June.

Kim has visited China four times since March last year for talks with Xi.