By Kim Young-jin
Kim Kyong-hui, the aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, last month paid a surprise visit to the border region with China, raising speculation the young leader could visit soon his main benefactor, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported.
Sources in Onsong County, North Hamgyeong Province told RFA that Kim, the younger sister of late despot Kim Jong-il, made the unexpected visit on May 26.
Authorities stepped up security in preparation for the visit, quickly raising speculation Kim Jong-un could be passing through on his way to China his country’s main source of trade and aid.
Instead, sources said his aunt inspected historical sites including a monument at Mt. Wangjae, where her father, country founder Kim Il-sung, once made a speech. Electricity supply to the county increased the night before her arrival, the report said.
A member of the ruling Workers’ Party politburo and four-star general, Kim is one of a coterie of close aides seen to be guiding the leader.
Some watchers speculate that Kim Jong-un will soon visit China to cement the special ties the sides share. They say chances of such a visit would be bolstered if Pyongyang does not carry out a third nuclear test to follow its April long-range rocket launch.
Chinese news agency Xinhua last month reported that Pyongyang had no intention of carrying out the test, despite satellite imagery showing preparations had been made. Beijing is reportedly putting heavy pressure on Pyongyang to cease its provocations and reenter regional denuclearization talks.
It would be his first trip abroad after being handed power following the death of Kim Jong-il, his father.
The late dictator made multiple visits to China in recent years, seen as efforts to boost cooperation amid Pyongyang’s growing isolation and as he prepared to hand power to his son.