The eldest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was found to have acknowledged his father’s failing health.

According to sources in China’s political circle, Kim Jong-nam made the statement when he visited Beijing last week and was asked about his father’s health. Kim thanked the Chinese officials for their concern.

During a meeting with close acquaintances in Beijing, Kim said he was not interested in the issue of his father’s successor, saying he would not assume the top post even if he is asked to do so.

Foreign sources in Beijing said the communist state has reportedly launched a trial operation of a collective military leadership system.