Strict traffic controls were imposed in parts of Dandong, in China's Liaoning province, on the 24th, Japan's Kyodo News reported, citing diplomatic sources. Dandong sits on China's border with North Korea, and the 25th marks the 76th anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War, when it sent troops to support North Korea.
Hotel bookings in the area have become unavailable, Kyodo said, adding that the traffic and hotel restrictions are seen as linked to a visit by a senior North Korean official.
Kyodo noted that North Korean officials may travel to China for events marking the anniversary on the 25th, the 76th since China sent troops to fight alongside North Korea in the Korean War.
The two countries are reportedly moving to step up exchanges of people and goods, with the New Yalu River Bridge linking Dandong and Sinuiju in North Korea's North Pyongan province officially opening on the 15th, 12 years after its completion.