The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-il arrived in China on Monday, foreign news agencies have reported.
But neither the Foreign Ministry nor the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China confirmed the visit on Monday, a public holiday in China.
"Kim arrived at about 5 am," AFP reported, quoting an official at the Friendship Bridge tourist site at Liaoning's Dandong border crossing.
"We received a notice from the Public Security Bureau and the army that we should shut down tourist operations in the morning," the official said on telephone, AFP reported.
The Associated Press reported a 17-car train believed to be carrying Kim pulled into Dandong early on Monday.
The train then headed to the port city of Dalian, Yonhap news agency of the Republic of Korea (ROK) said. A convoy of 15 limousines was seen arriving at the five-star Furama Hotel in the city center, the report said, citing unidentified sources in Dandong and Beijing.
A Furama staff member told China Daily in the afternoon that "an event" was taking place and the hotel was not accepting bookings.
The hotel covered its facade in a billowing white sheet as part of security measures, and to keep out prying reporters, Reuters said.
There was no mention of Kim's trip in the DPRK state media, which typically reports on his journeys after he returns home.
ROK broadcaster YTN aired blurry footage of a man in sunglasses outside the hotel with an entourage, and identified him as Kim.
Japan's Kyodo News agency, citing unidentified sources knowledgeable about China-DPRK relations, also said Kim and his party were seen at the swanky hotel.
Questions:
1. What is the name of the leader of the DPRK?
2. What is the name of the city the leader is believed to be in?
3. What is the name of the hotel the leader was believed to be staying at?
Answers:
1. Kim Jong-il
2. Dandong
3. Furama Hotel 去听写专区一展身手
(中国日报网英语点津 Julie 编辑)
About the broadcaster:
Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.