BEIJING, May 4 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, reportedly visiting China, was expected to discuss economic aid and other issues, the Chosun Ilbo reported Tuesday.
The newspaper reported the leader of the economically struggling Communist country embarked on his China visit Monday and was expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other top officials in Beijing. It quoted experts as saying Kim may also discuss power succession and North Korea's denuclearization.
China Daily only quoted foreign news agencies as saying Kim had arrived in China but added neither the Foreign Ministry nor the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China had confirmed the visit on Monday, which was a public holiday in China.
The China Daily report also said there was no mention of Kim's trip in the North Korean state media but added it typically reports on his journeys after he returns home.
The Times of London reported the reclusive Kim apparently traveled by train for his first trip outside the country since a suspected stroke in 2008. Kim reportedly does not like to travel by plane.
The report said there had been rumors for some time about Kim's trip to China, which is his country's main source for fuel, food and finance. The report said the China trip may also indicate North Korea has already agreed to China's requests to restart the stalled six-nation talks on its denuclearization.
The Chosun Ilbo reported Kim may also press economic issues as business with South Korea is drying up.
The visit also comes on the heels of the sinking of a South Korean warship last month that South Korean officials suspect may have been the result of a torpedo attack. North Korea has denied any involvement, but tensions between the two Koreas are rising.
