Zhang Liangui: Neighboring countries of North Korea will watch for further action

The repercussion of Kim Jong-il’s sudden death may have a huge impact on northeast Asia, and North Korea's neighboring countries have yet to immediately respond and will watch closely before leaping to action, due to the uncertainties which now exist within its political sphere.

Yang Xiyu: North Korea's foreign policy remains uncertain after Kim's death
 
Yang Xiyu, a researcher at the China Institute of International Studies has said that North Korea's foreign policy remains unknown following Kim's death.

Mei Xinyu: North Korea is expected to revive

Kim Jong-il, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), died at 69 last Saturday, resulting in the downturn of Asia-Pacific stock markets. To hear an expert's thoughts on the state of North Korea and the region, Sohu Financial interviews Mei Xinyu, an associate researcher at the Chi...

Walking Mango: "The country's renowned TV hostess disappeared for about 50 days. I boldly guess that she was away preparing for the broadcast of Kim's death."

Shengshisixiang:" It would be a blessing for the North Korean people if the transition goes smoothly. If Kim Jong-un knows how to choose advisors who aim to serve the people, the blessing will be even bigger. Don't abuse the people by stripping them of democracy and imposing authoritarian rule. Human history has proven that Western-style democracy is not necessarily the best. Rather, the proven method is to employ the right people to do the right thing, which will bring a blessing to ordinary people."

Yang Jinlin (Phoenix host):" It was just a matter of time! We need to pay more attention to the ever-changing development of north-east Asia's political situation."

Lu Ge (Special researcher at the China Institute of International Study): "China should stay calm and simply observe the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and react composedly while maintaining stability. I think this is the best policy at the moment."

In 1964, Kim Jong Il started working for the Central Committee of the WPK.
In 1973, he was elected secretary of the committee and in February the next year, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee.

In 1980, Kim Jong Il has been member of the Presidium of the Politburo and secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK and member of the Central Military Commission.

From 1982 to 1998, Kim was elected deputy to every Supreme People's Assembly.

From 1992 to April 1993, he was successively Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, First Vice-Chairman and later Chairman of the National Defense Commission.

On Oct. 8, 1997, Kim Jong Il was elected General Secretary of the WPK.

In 1975 and 1982, Kim Jong Il was given the honorary title "Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

In April 1992, he was given the title of Marshal of the DPRK. He has also received the Kim Il Sung Order three times and many other awards and honors.

The Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the ruling party of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is set to hold a major conference on Tuesday, the first of its kind in 44 years.

The conference is expected to elect the ruling party's highest leading body. Delegates are expected to discuss and determine policies and personnel changes of the party.