The U.S. says it is keeping a close eye on all developments regarding reports of power succession in North Korea.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell told a news briefing held in New York on Tuesday that Washington is “watching developments in North Korea carefully.”

He suggested that the U.S. will maintain close contact with South Korea, China and Japan, saying that Washington will discuss all events happening in North Korea with all partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

A number of media outlets are reporting that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s third son and heir apparent, Jong-un, may soon be officially named his heir. It was reported by North Korea on Monday that Jong-un has been appointed by his father to a position as a four-star general.