Kathmandu [Nepal], October 24 – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly arrived in China prompting South Korea to closely monitor developments amid uncertainty over the visit, South Korean media reported Saturday.
South Korea’s presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae said it was keeping a close watch on the situation noting that neither Pyongyang nor Beijing had issued an official announcement.
According to South Korean media outlet Chosun.com, Kim arrived in Dandong, Liaoning Province on Saturday after crossing into China via the New Yalu River Bridge.
The reported visit would be Kim’s first trip to China since September last year. However, neither country has disclosed the purpose or duration of the visit or confirmed any planned meetings with Chinese leaders.
The reported arrival comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to resume dialogue with North Korea. Reports have suggested Washington is working to create conditions for talks ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shenzhen, China.
Kim’s reported visit has drawn attention amid broader diplomatic developments involving North Korea, China and the United States. However, the lack of official confirmation has left the purpose and potential regional implications of the trip unclear.
South Korean authorities said they were monitoring the situation while considering various possibilities.
