Why a mystery armoured train could hold the key to Kim Jong-un’s rumoured visit to China
Rail has long been the favoured mode of transport for North Korea’s leaders and Monday night’s arrival at Beijing has led to intense speculation that the country’s reclusive leader is making his first trip abroad as leader
The mysterious armoured train that arrived in Beijing on Monday night is one of the main pieces of evidence to support the theory that Kim Jong-un is making a historic visit to China.
While Beijing has yet to confirm Kim is in Beijing, the arrival of the train coupled with reports of heightened security at a state guest house and along the Chinese border with North Korea, all point towards a visit by a senior figure from Pyongyang.
If the train really was carrying the younger Kim it would be his first trip abroad since he succeeded his father in late 2011.
Heavily fortified – and, if rumour is to be believed, luxurious – rail carriages were the favoured mode of transport for the North Korean leader’s father and grandfather.
