A North Korean “senior official” has arrived in Beijing for a visit shrouded in secrecy, diplomats said, fuelling rumours that the mysterious guest could be supreme leader Kim Jong Un on his first visit abroad since taking power.
Chinese officials declined to comment on the visit, which was noted publicly when an armoured train similar to those used by North Korean leaders pulled into Beijing on Monday, according to a video aired on Japanese TV station NHK.
Experts said the high-level visit was likely an effort by North Korea to assuage Chinese concerns before a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump in May to discuss disarmament.