In the secret world of North Korea, politics doesn't get much bigger than this, a rare meeting at the workers' party. And the expectation is who could set the scene for the handover of power from Kim Jong to his third youngest son.

He may not be unveiled as Kim Jong Il's successor. That may come later, but if he does, for example, become a member of central committee, then we know things are in process.

Little is known about Kim Jong Un. This, a rare photo of him is a teenager. He is now in his late 20s.

Equally unclear is whether the entrenched aporatis in North Korean ruling party, in the North Korean military, particularly that reigns in their sixties, and seventies and so on will accept somebody who is not even thirty as the new leader.

Kim Jong Il served as the twenty years of -- by his father's side, but with the daily announced 68 in poor health after suffering a stoke. Analysts believe succession plans will be accelerated.

If he can give his son a few years to consolidate his power, build the network of relationships within the security --, the military, the party. That will offer a well-off of a smooth succession. If he dies sooner than that there will be more uncertainty.

Kim's most recent trip to China may have been partly to build support for his young son. Without Beijing the regime in Pyongyang will most likely collapse.

If China can totally kind of help North Korea flow, then it makes it easier for the new regime to pursue instead of -- policies.

But for the US, Sorth Korean and Japan, the steady coil is a problem, and analysts say there is little indication in that North Korea ruled by younger king would open up and end its illicit nuclear and missile programmes.

John --, CNN in Beijing.