Kim Jong-il makes surprise trip to China

The reclusive North Korean leader is believed to have left the country as Jimmy Carter visits Pyongyang

South Korean intelligence officials believe Kim Jong-il crossed into China late Wednesday night, prompting speculation as to why he would leave the country while former American president Jimmy Carter is visiting to North Korea. Carter is in Pyongyang to help secure the release of Aijalon Gomes, an American who’s been sentenced to eight years in prison for entering the country illegally. Kim’s trip may have been designed to offend the U.S., but there is also speculation that the ailing leader was forced to go to China for medical treatment. Kim has only ever made six visits to China.