North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is expected to head to Beijing from the Chinese city of Dalian on Tuesday for talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The train is expected to arrive in the Chinese capital late Tuesday, with security having been tightened since Monday at several Beijing train stations.

A meeting between Kim and Hu is expected to address the sensitive issue of South Korea’s sunken “Cheonan” vessel, including the actions that will be taken following the investigation into the cause of the incident.

The two are also expected to discuss a possible resumption of the six-party nuclear talks as well as ways to defuse Pyongyang's food and energy shortage.

Kim is also expected to meet with Premier Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders.