Jang said he believed China was supporting sanctions in response to attempts by North Korea's military to claw back power it had lost under the regency rule of Kim Jong Un's uncle Jang Song-taek and his aunt Kim Kyong-hui.

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Park is considered an ally of Jang Song Taek, Kim Jong Il's brother-in-law.

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He is a close associate of Kim Jong Eun's aunt Kim Kyong Hui and uncle Jang Song Thaek and had gradually moved back into more senior roles over the past few years.

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