Amid speculation that a ranking North Korean official is visiting China, Japanese media reported that a North Korean plane landed in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian on Tuesday.

Kyodo news agency said an Air Koryo plane landed at the airport in Dalian, adding there are no regular flights between North Korea and the Chinese city.

NHK also confirmed a North Korean plane of state carrier Air Koryo landed at Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport past 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, noting that there is no regular flight service between the North and Dalian.

Kyodo News also spotted an aircraft at the airport that appears to be used by a senior Chinese government official.

The news agency said there were movements on Monday such as restrictions to the landing and departure of planes and traffic control, possibly pointing to an arrival of an important figure at the airport.

According to media reports, security has been stepped up on major roads in Dalian with police officers stationed every several meters. Roads that lead to accommodations that can receive foreign guests are also blocked.

Citing a source familiar with China-Japan relations, Kyodo said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi could be in Dalian for a meeting with a key foreign official. 

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