SEOUL, March 29 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's visit to North Pyongan province has fueled diplomatic speculation he may be en route to China, officials said.
The province is near North Korea's border with China.
Kim, who rarely travels, reportedly is afraid of flying and in recent years has visited only Russia and China because they are contiguous to North Korea, which allows him to travel in his luxurious train, officials said.
Chinese diplomats earlier this month suggested Kim might travel to China, a visit that could indicate he is ready to resume international talks on dismantling his country's nuclear facilities, Yonhap New Agency reported Monday.
North Korea needs economic assistance from China and rejoining the so-called six-party talks, with China as host, could assure North Korea of aid and allow China to boast of a diplomatic coup, South Korea diplomats have said.
Denuclearization talks with North Korea last were held in December 2008 with South Korea, China, the United States, Japan and Russia.
