Japan has viewed a thawing of relations between Kim Jong-il and the US with some concern and is determined the abduction issue will not be sidelined.

日本关注到朝美关系在某些方面趋于缓和，但并没有决定将绑架事件搁置一旁。

youdao

They have eased relations with Japan and, horrified by the nuclear brinkmanship of Kim Jong Il, mediated with Korea.

他们缓和了与日本的关系，并为金II的核边缘政策担惊受怕，并为此与韩国联手调解。

youdao

South Korean media say Kim Jong-il's personal train crossed into China at the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong Monday.

VOA: standard.2010.05.03

Hyun says social instability has increased in North Korea, so leader Kim Jong-il needs to continue to reinforce his domestic power base.

VOA: standard.2009.06.22

In a statement, Australia's immigration department says the artists invited to Brisbane were from a studio that operates under the guidance of North Korea's leader,Kim Jong-il.

VOA: standard.2009.12.09

Although the Kim Jong-il regime was odious, it might have been willing to deal.

FORBES: The "New" North Korea: Prisons With Designer Hand-Cuffs

Kim Jong-il was celebrated in North Korea as a military genius who had humbled a superpower.

BBC: North Korea: Past lessons will affect the next move

China, North Korea's main backer, has not yet given its official reaction to Kim Jong-il's death.

BBC: Kim Jong-il death triggers swift regional reaction