Chang Song-thaek, the Deputy head of the National Military Commission in North Korea and uncle to the North’s leader Kim Jong-un, was said to have advised his other nephew, Kim Jong-nam, to refrain from criticizing the regime.

According to Yomiuri Shimbun citing North Korean sources in Macau, Chang told Jong-nam, who is the eldest son of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, to keep from publicly criticizing the North Korean regime to outside media.

Chang also advised Kim not to speak on any other related issues regarding the current regime, the report said.

Chang is known to have had an amicable relationship with his eldest nephew, although he is currently seen as top advisor to Kim Jong-un.

Chang’s move was seen as one aimed to deflect criticism against himself because of his relationship with Kim Jong-nam.