Kim Jong-un is in Beijing on first-known trip outside North Korea since 2011, say multiple sources
A high police presence in Beijing and at the North Korean border suggested a high-profile diplomat was in China; now sources say Kim is actually in the country
Kim Jong-un is visiting China in what is his first trip outside North Korea since 2011, multiple sources have told Bloomberg.
The reports come after a heavy police presence was noted at the border of China and North Korea, and at a Beijing hotel popular with foreign dignitaries, according to sources who spoke to the South China Morning Post.
The sources - who did not wish to be named due to the sensitivity of the information - could not immediately confirm how long Kim would be in China or who he would meet while there, Bloomberg and Reuters both said. The Post could not independently verify the claims.
The claims come after reports earlier on Monday suggested that a high-profile figure had made the journey into China.
While it has yet to be confirmed if the person is Kim himself, the security arrangements suggest it is someone of great significance.
At the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, where foreign dignitaries usually stay, there has been a marked increase in police activity, with a large number of officers and about 50 vehicles seen in the area. Nearby roads have been cordoned off.