Six Party Talks

Japan urges China to help keep North Korea in check

Constraining North Korea is important for Japan, which is within range of the North's missiles; but China is wary about upsetting North Korea, especially during a delicate transition.

'IAEA wants to redeploy nuclear inspectors in N-Korea'

UN inspectors were expelled from North Korea in 2009 and their return would be seen as a sign that the North may be serious about disarmament efforts.

North Korea's neighbours prepare for unexpected after Kim's death

US President and South Korean and Japanese leaders held telephone hook-ups; Taiwan set up an emergency committee to monitor developments.