North Korea's heir apparent visits China

May 20, 2011, 3:18 GMT

Seoul - The son and likely successor of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Il on Friday visited China, the regime's only significant international ally, a news report said.

Kim Jong Un arrived via Tumen, a town near the eastern end of the border between the countries, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said, citing Chinese sources.

Security had been tightened in the area, the report said.

His father was not thought to be accompanying him. The elder Kim has been a regular visitor to China with his latest confirmed trip in August.

His son, thought to be 27 years old, was made a four-star general and received several senior positions last year in an apparent move to prepare him for taking over power from his ailing father.

News reports said Kim Jong Un did not appear to be heading for Beijing but was likely to meet Chinese Vice Premier Xi Jinping, widely assumed to be in line for the presidency, in the town of Changchun, 300 kilometres from the border.

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