Chinese Foreign Minister Cancels Visit to Seoul

China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has postponed indefinitely a planned visit to Seoul on Friday.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry says Beijing informed it of the cancellation late Wednesday through the Korean Embassy there, asking for Seoul's understanding of the decision.

Although China cited scheduling reasons, the move is seen as a sign of caution from North Korea's long-time ally in the aftermath of Pyongyang's deadly artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island on Tuesday.

Beijing and Seoul plan to reschedule Minister Yang's visit for the near future.