NKorea's Kim reportedly preparing to visit China
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il will likely visit China soon, a trip that could lead to the country's return to international nuclear disarmament talks, South Korea and news reports said Wednesday. The reclusive Kim rarely travels abroad and only under tight security, avoiding planes. He last visited China in 2006, but Chinese President Hu Jintao has recently invited him to visit again.
"There is a high-level possibility that Kim Jong Il would pay a visit to China," South Korean presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye told reporters, according to her office. "We are closely monitoring the situation." She gave no further details. Seoul's Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday that Kim may leave for China as early as this week, citing unidentified sources in China and South Korea. (AP)
