Kim Jong-un Makes Sudden Visit to China, Quelling Death Rumours

Kim Jong-un departed from Beijing to return to his country on the evening of the 4th. (Video screenshot)

[People News] North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unexpectedly visited China on the 24th, marking his first trip back to the country in over a year. Analysts suggest that this visit may be intended to reaffirm the 'comprehensive strategic partnership' between North Korea and China ahead of the 'Anti-American Aid Korea' anniversary on the 25th.

As reported by Radio Free Asia, the Korean Central News Agency cited South Korean government sources stating: 'Chairman Kim Jong-un arrived in Dandong City, Liaoning Province, China via the New Yalu River Bridge.' The Central Television of the Communist Party of China confirmed Kim's visit on Saturday evening, with Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, present to greet him.

Prior to Kim Jong-un's unexpected visit, strict security and traffic controls were enforced in downtown Dandong on the morning of the 24th.

A Dandong source, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, told Radio Free Asia: 'I wanted to go out early to receive goods coming from North Korea, but I was stuck in heavy traffic. The traffic control around Dandong is very strict.' Another source also confirmed to Radio Free Asia: 'Traffic control was in effect all morning, but it was lifted in the afternoon.'

Analysts believe that Kim Jong-un's visit was announced suddenly under tight security measures, with relevant arrangements made accordingly.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Kim Jong-un will attend events related to the new Yalu River Bridge, which officially opened to traffic on the 15th of this month. Additionally, it remains uncertain if Kim Jong-un will participate in the commemorative activities for the Korean War scheduled for the following day. There is also significant interest in whether he will meet with Xi Jinping.

This trip marks Kim Jong-un's sixth visit to China, with the last one taking place in September of last year when he attended the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan in Beijing. The two visits are separated by one year and one month. However, unlike his fifth visit last year, this trip was not reported in advance, and North Korean state media did not provide any clear indications.

Diplomatic sources note that this visit coincides with U.S. President Trump's efforts to resume dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea within this year, and it also comes just ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit scheduled to be held in Shenzhen, China, from November 18 to 19. Some analysts suggest that North Korea aims to strengthen its ties with China to enhance its bargaining power in future negotiations with the United States.

Moreover, the recent rumours regarding Kim Jong-un's death, which have primarily circulated on overseas social media, are expected to diminish as a result. Previously, the South Korean National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee on the 23rd, confirming that the rumours about Kim Jong-un's death are unfounded.
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