North Korea’s Namyang in Onsong County, North Hamgyong Province, is seen across the Tumen River from Tumen in China’s Jilin province. Photo by Asia Today
Residents along the China-North Korea border in Tumen say talk is spreading that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could visit China in early April, possibly around a planned trip by U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing.
A middle-aged ethnic Korean businessman who gave only his surname, Choi, said locals hope a Kim visit could lead to a U.S.-North Korea meeting and ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Reuters has reported Trump is expected to travel to China in the first week of April for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Tumen, in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, appeared subdued during a recent visit. The scene contrasted with Dandong, a better-known hub for cross-border commerce. Multiple layers of fencing and barbed wire lined parts of the riverbank.
Still, North Korean-style Korean-language signs were visible at some shops and restaurants, and locals said North Korean workers help fill labor shortages in the area.
A man identified only by his surname, Jeong, described as a North Korean expatriate living in China, said improved regional relations could bring more visitors and investment, including from South Korea.
Signs of Korean pop culture and consumer demand also appeared along the waterfront. One shop selling South Korean goods drew steady foot traffic, and an employee who gave only her surname, Zhou, said North Korean customers also visit and buy items despite higher prices.
Diplomatic sources in Beijing told Asia Today that no one can confirm whether Kim will travel to China, but residents in Tumen said the continued rumors have fueled quiet expectations in the border city.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260218010005499
