North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has arrived in Beijing for an unannounced visit to China at the request of President Xi Jinping.
The North Korean leader arrived in the Chinese capital’s railway station in a three-car train lined by police and paramilitary troops on Tuesday.
Security vehicles and officials had earlier been seen blocking roads around the train station in the China-North Korea border town of Dandong.
North Korean Central News Agency said Kim departed on Monday afternoon with his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and other top officials.
Images show the leader and his wife on a red carpet, inspecting an honour guard before boarding the train.
The four-day visit comes amid reports negotiations were under way for a possible second summit between Kim and Donald Trump.
Kim met the US President last June for a historic meeting, the first for a sitting leader of the United States.
Upon his arrival in China, Kim will be likely be driven by motorcade to the Diaoyutai State Guest House in western Beijing.
While he is expected to take part in meetings which will be held at the Great Hall of the People.
South Korean presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said on Tuesday that Seoul hopes Kim’s trip to China will act as a “stepping stone” for a second Trump-Kim summit.
Kim's arrival in Beijing coincides with U.S.-China trade talks in Beijing that seek to end the trade dispute between the world's two largest economies ahead of a March deadline.
Asked whether China was linking to issues in an interview Monday with CNBC, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "The Chinese have been very clear to us that these are separate issues."
"Their behaviour has demonstrated that as well and we appreciate that," Pompeo said.
"China has actually been a good partner in our efforts to reduce the risk to the world from North Korea's nuclear capability. I expect they will continue to do so."
.jpg?w=600)
