Radio Free Asia (RFA) says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has ordered government agencies to wage an all-out fight against South Korea's diplomacy on the sinking of the "Cheonan" warship.

In orders sent to foreign affairs, trade and security agencies, Kim reportedly said that North Korea’s fate lies in crushing the South Korean-led international diplomacy campaign on the Cheonan issue.

The Washington-based broadcaster cited a North Korean trade official as saying that Kim's directive came Tuesday.

The report said North Koreans who are visiting China on business or to visit relatives have also confirmed the directive.