The uncle of North Korea’s president Kim Jong-Un headed to China Monday for talks on the joint development of two special economic zones.

The North's state media reported that Jang Song-Thaek is leading a delegation for a third round of talks on the Rason Economic Trade Zone and the Hwanggumphyong and Wihwado Economic Zone.

Jang -- the husband of former leader Kim Jong-il's sister Kim Kyong-hui -- is also vice chairman of the North's National Defense Commission, according to the South's Yonhap news agency.

North Korea and China are jointly developing the Hwanggumphyong and Wihwado zone on two islands in the estuary of the Yalu river that marks their border. Ground was broken in December.

North Korea announced in June that foreigners would be allowed visa-free access to the new economic zone near its west coast, along with tax breaks.