China, the most important voice in the region and North Korea’s only real ally, appears to view the younger Kim as a man with whom it can do business. The new leader accompanied his father to Beijing in May to meet the Chinese leadership. Yesterday, the foreign ministry in Beijing issued a statement that seemed to warn off anyone trying to disrupt his succession. “We are sure the North Korean people will abide by Comrade Kim Jong-il’s will and unify under the leadership of Comrade Kim Jong-un,” it said.