Japanese media say that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s ongoing visit to China proves North Korea’s further dependency on China.

The Asahi Shimbun said that through his visit to China, the North Korean leader apparently intends to ask China to offer food aid while showing that his health is in good condition. The Japanese newspaper said that Kim’s choice to visit the northeastern part of China as the first leg of his trip is noteworthy, adding that the Chinese region is economically important for North Korea.

Asahi said that Kim is presumed to have asked for economic and food support from China during his two visits to China last year.

The Mainichi Shimbun said that Kim decided to visit China as the heads of South Korea, China and Japan are scheduled to hold a summit on Sunday.

The Japanese daily interpreted the North Korean leader’s decision as a move to influence China’s stance on South Korea and Japan's demand that it mount pressure on the North.

The Sankei Shimbun quoted a South Korean expert as saying that the North Korean leader might have decided to take care of diplomatic affairs himself with the recovery of his health. The South Korean expert noted that Kim made a direct visit to China, instead of sending his third son Jong-un.