While Chinese government has not taken any real action against Kim's regime, many officials, presumably younger technocrats who are hailing from GongQingTuan(Communist Youth League, Hu Jintao's powerbase) are said to have dim view of the succession process, dropping some hint that they are not enthusiastic about NK regime. Kim Jong-il sensed it and went down to Yangzhou to meet Jiang Zemin to marshal Shanghai Gang's support against such worrisome atmosphere in Beijing. With future support of China for next N. Korean leader uncertain, he wants to make sure current leadership and future leadership of China commit themselves into future N. Korean regime led by his son.
So it is not so much about food or nukes. Yes, they need food aid, but that is not the top agenda, it seems.
P!
If he can’t bring the Chicoms onboard, he’s in trouble, I think.
Very interesting about the Shanghai Gang. I keep half an eye on them. They are certainly the key to Kim Jong-un’s staying in power. So the Kims do the Grand Kowtow.
The Kims are classic paranoids, but is it really paranoia if they are really out to get you? Heh.
The Southerners still resent the Northern barbarians conquest ending the Song Dynasty. I think this is the key to understanding Chinese politics. Mao was a pure Southerner, and boy did he resent the Northerners trying to boss him around. Whew. Never forgave, never forgot, for sure.
Just amazing that Zhou Enlai (a northerner)was able to stay alive. Mao sure kept him on a short leash. One smart and cagy cookie was Mr. Zhou.