The likelihood of Mr Kim listening to advice or threats from the United States, China or anywhere else seems practically nonexistent, however. What the North Korean leader wants is simple -- to secure his own survival and that of his regime. With the death of his half-sibling Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb 13, the younger Mr Kim will have further entrenched his power. This week's action again demonstrated Mr Kim has no intention of bowing to the demands of any external power. Beijing finds itself in an unenviable position -- and Mr Kim likely knows it.

Source: Bangkok Post March 09, 2017 21:44 UTC