Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping

Newly appointed Korean ambassador to China Yu Woo-ik, will be accompanying China’s Vice President Xi Jinping, who will be visiting Korea on Dec. 16, Cheong Wa Dae said Sunday.

During states visits, the visiting head of state is often accompanied by the ambassador of the country he is visiting.

Xi is not a head of the state but is considered a strong candidate to become the next Chinese president.