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Norks may send Sonny Boy to plead with China
SEOUL -- North Korea may attempt this year to arrange a visit by its leader-in-waiting to the country's foremost benefactor, China, in a bid to consolidate his power base and ease Pyongyang's economic hardships, the chief of a state-run think tank here said Monday.

"The biggest event for North Korea this year would be a trip to Beijing by Kim Jong-un alone," Nam Sung-wook, director of the Institute for National Security, said in a meeting with reporters, referring to the 20-something apparent successor to Kim Jong-il.

Nam, whose institute is overseen by the National Intelligence Service, predicted Pyongyang will fail to overcome its economic woes, saying that it will rather seek help by restoring denuclearization-for-aid talks
Talks. Not actually achieving denuclearization. Don't fall for that old ploy, South Korea!
and improving its ties with South Korea. The key to achieving the goal could be winning the support of China, Nam said, while Kim Jong-un will likely be tasked with the job.

"If Kim can secure the resumption of six-party talks, he is likely to gain a higher position by publicizing his exploits," Nam said,
What's higher than sole heir of a second generation totalitarian despot? Within North Korea, I mean. Outside the country the ruler has all the status of a barely restrained rabid dog.
adding Kim appears to be being groomed by actively engaging in all areas of state affairs.

Nam added that North Korea will likely credit Kim Jong-un if the country also succeeds in mending ties with South Korea and winning economic assistance from Seoul. Nam expected the hereditary power transition in North Korea will culminate around the birthday of the country's late founder, Kim Il-sung, in April next year.
Posted by: Steve White 2011-02-08
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=315603