Dalian, China is under heavier control than ever.
A sign that points to another possible visit by North Korea's young leader... according to local sources.
To delve deeper and explore the possible motive for what may have been Kim Jong-un's second visit to the country in less than two months, we turn to our Oh Jung-hee.
Has North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited China again?
According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, a private plane appearing to carry (quote) "an important North Korean figure" left the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian late Tuesday afternoon.
The plane is believed to be the same model as Kim Jong-un's private plane,... but there were no reports of its arrival.
Another plane belonging to the North's Air Koryo was also seen arriving in Dalian earlier in the day.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was in the same city on Tuesday... to attend a sea trial of Beijing's first Chinese-built aircraft carrier.
Local airports and train stations have been under strict control -- similar to when Kim Jong-un visited China late March.
Also under heavy security is Dalian's island of Bangchuidao -- where top officials from Pyongyang and Beijing met secretly in the past.
Should the visiting figure be North Korean leader Kim Jong-un himself, then this would be his second visit to China in less than two months,... and would come before the Chinese President makes a return visit to Pyongyang.
The possible visit comes amid a tug-of-war between Pyongyang and Washington... over fine-tuning the details of their first-ever summit... as well as Washington's emphasis on PVID and Pyongyang's backlash.
"Pyongyang could be taking out its 'Beijing card' as some things seem to be difficult to iron out with the U.S. in denuclearization talks. Also, China could have invited North Korea to alleviate its concerns over being bypassed. If the end of the Korean War is declared only by the two Koreas and the U.S., Beijing's influence on Pyongyang will decrease... as it will if Pyongyang moves to normalize relations with Washington."
But the figure in China may not be Kim Jong-un,... but rather another senior North Korean like his sister Kim Yo-jong or the regime's ceremonial leader Kim Yong-nam.
Kim could be aware that him visiting China and bringing in Beijing to the current three-party structure... wouldn't work to his advantage at the upcoming talks with Washington, or in relations with South Korea.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
