Seeking approval

North Korea's heir apparent reportedly began a visit to China on Friday, traveling to Jilin province, a border region that is home to China's largest ethnic Korean population.

South Korean media said Kim Jong-un, son of current leader Kim Jong-il, crossed into China at the Tumen border point via train, marking his first visit since he was appointed a military general — presumed to be the first step toward Kim taking power when his ailing father finishes his rule. Neither Beijing nor Pyongyang confirmed that the younger Kim was in China, which is typical of North Korean official visits. The visit could be a signal that China is giving its approval to Kim's assumed takeover of power in the hermit kingdom.

The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported the younger Kim "is expected to seek assurances of Chinese support for his succession to the leadership and consolidate his status."