The Chosun Ilbo reported on Tuesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, reportedly visiting China, was expected to discuss economic aid and other issues.

The leader of the economically struggling Communist country embarked on his China visit Monday and was expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other top officials in Beijing, the newspaper reported. It quoted experts as saying Kim may also discuss power succession and North Korea's denuclearization.

Kim had arrived in China but added neither the Foreign Ministry nor the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China had confirmed the visit on Monday, which was a public holiday in China, China Daily quoted foreign news agencies as saying.

There was no mention of Kim's trip in the North Korean state media but added it typically reports on his journeys after he returns home, The China Daily report also said.

The reclusive Kim apparently traveled by train for his first trip outside the country since a suspected stroke in 2008. Kim reportedly does not like to travel by plane, The Times of London has reported.

There had been rumors for some time about Kim's trip to China, which is his country's main source for fuel, food and finance. The China trip may also indicate North Korea has already agreed to China's requests to restart the stalled six-nation talks on its denuclearization, the report said.

Kim may also press economic issues as business with South Korea is drying up, the Chosun Ilbo further reported.

It was further noted by the news reports that the visit also comes on the heels of the sinking of a South Korean warship last month that South Korean officials suspect may have been the result of a torpedo attack. North Korea has denied any involvement, but tensions between the two Koreas are rising. (With Inputs from Agencies)