Kim Jong Un has reportedly made his first trip abroad as North Korea’s leader in a secretive visit to China.
According to Bloomberg, three people with knowledge of the visit confirmed the trip Monday.
Japan’s Kyodo News reported earlier Monday that a high-level North Korean official had arrived in Beijing after arriving by train.
The train has been compared to the one used by Kim Jong Il, Kim’s father, during his visit to China in 2011.
Intriguing images from Beijing, captured by Japan's Nippon TV. A 21-car train, similar to one used by Kim Jong Il in 2011, pulled into Beijing Station around 3pm. Met by honor guard and line of VIP cars. Speculation is that Kim Jong Un could be in Beijing. https://t.co/OR40pYEcgG pic.twitter.com/1G5jndciIr
— Martyn Williams (@martyn_williams) March 26, 2018
Unconfirmed footage alleging to show the train traveling through Beijing was also posted to Twitter.
Breaking: North Korean armored train spotted at Beijing, China. Kim Jong Un probably on board. pic.twitter.com/p0Lij0Q1Wo
— Augustus Manchurius (@1984to1776) March 26, 2018
The train is said to have traveled from the northeastern Chinese border city of Dandong and was met by a large motorcade upon its arrival.
Whoever has arrived in Beijing got quite a motorcade: pic.twitter.com/qL1Q55Hnma
— Stephen McDonell (@StephenMcDonell) March 26, 2018
“Further details of his trip, including how long Kim would stay and who he would meet, were not immediately available,” Bloomberg notes.
At the time of publication, neither China or North Korea have commented.
The suspected visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet Kim face-to-face to discuss the country’s nuclear weapons program.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in plans to meet with the North Korean leader next month prior to the Trump-Kim summit.
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