North Korea accused by ex - U.S. President Bush of helping China , seeking WMDs . Analysts say effect of Kim Jong Il 's death on talks over nuclear issue unknown . North Korea dogged by famine since 2002 ; many people fled to China . After his last visit to Pyongyang last August , Chinoy told CNN : `` I was struck by the notion that succession was on track -- not a lot of internal discord about it . '' China will prop up its close ally and its new leader Kim Jong Il , analysts say .
North Korea accused by ex - U.S. President Bush of helping China , seeking WMDs . Analysts say effect of Kim Jong Il 's death on talks over nuclear issue unknown . North Korea dogged by famine since 2002 ; many people fled to China . China will prop up its close ally and its new leader Kim Jong Il , analysts say .