North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has reportedly taken his luxury train deeper into China, visiting the southern Chinese cities of Nanjing and Yangzhou, perhaps making his way to Shanghai, according to newspaper accounts.

China has confirmed Kim is in country, but has been mum on details. The South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper called Kim’s trip a “marathon” visit and said the length and breadth of his seventh tour of China is unprecedented. The paper said he met with former President Jiang Zemin to help build support among current Chinese leadership. China’s Global Times reported that Kim’s train arrived in Yangzhou on Sunday.

Kim is believed to be drumming up support and economic aid from China, which remains its lone ally on the world stage. Even though China has apparently grown somewhat frustrated with North Korea in recent years, Kim and his son, the heir apparent Kim Jong-un, will likely continue to lean on China for political and economic support in the years ahead.