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There are no signs to substantiate rumors that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is about to visit China again, a government source here said Wednesday. The source also said if Kim were planning a trip to China by train, there would be numerous signs, including an increase in the number of security personnel in Dandung and Shinuiju and an advance party that would go to China a few days ahead of the visit, but that has not happened.
"There were reports that officials from the North visited China and of an increasing number of North Koreans in the Dandung area, but these developments have been confirmed as having nothing to do with a visit by Kim," the source added.
However, another source points out that the North¡¯s traditionally close ties with China have been strained since Pyongyang¡¯s missile tests on July 5, and combined with rumors of a possible nuclear test may have brought about the talk of a visit to China. ¡°There is the possibility of a top-secret visit like the one in January,¡± the source said. ¡°There is also the issue of North Korea¡¯s frozen accounts in the Bank of China, so it seems there is a need for a visit."
Reports in the domestic and international press said the arrival of a special armored train was captured by satellites, or that Kim had already visited China and is heading home.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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