The Tokyo Shinbun has confirmed that North Korea has temporarily suspended visits by Chinese tourists as of Friday.

Sources say Pyongyang authorities recently faxed notice of the suspension to Chinese authorities in the border province of Liaoning, merely citing 'domestic reasons.'

The paper says it is highly unusual for the North to unilaterally halt private visits from its Chinese ally, and surmised 'a major political event' could be in the makings in Pyongyang next month.