China says hopes North Korea visit will promote 'deepening' of ties

China said on Thursday it hopes an upcoming visit by a top official to North Korea will encourage a "deepening" of ties with Pyongyang. "We believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, this visit can be a complete success and promote the further deepening and development of China-DPRK ties," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, referring to a visit to Pyongyang by Vice Premier Liu Guozhong this week.