What Is China's Reaction To North Korea's Nuclear Test

Is China Taking A Harsher Tone On North Korea? -- Steven Borowiec, Christian Science Monitor

China has taken a harder line on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, but as the UN Security Council weighs expanding sanctions, Beijing will still likely seek to limit their strength.

Before North Korea conducted its third nuclear test this week, China made strong efforts to dissuade Pyongyang, saying that if it went ahead with the test, “it must pay a heavy price.”

After Pyongyang went ahead with the test anyway, China, Pyongyang’s largest trading partner and benefactor, summoned the North Korean ambassador to Beijing in protest. Beijing also joined in the immediate, unanimous condemnation of North Korea’s actions during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Because China's support for North Korea has made it tough for the international community to get Pyongyang to back away from its weapons programs, some wondered if these actions signaled that Beijing was taking a harsher stance on the North. But as the UN Security Council prepares to expand sanctions in response to the test, China will still likely seek to limit the strength of any measures taken against North Korea, say most analysts.

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More News On China's Reaction To North Korea's Nuclear Test

China scolds North Korea over nuke test -- Politico/AP
China pressured to punish North Korea over nuclear test -- Washington Times
After North Korean Nuclear Test, China Must Deal With Its Wayward Ally -- Jane Perlez, New York Times
Nuclear test adds strain to North Korea’s relationship with China -- Washington Post
China Looms Over Response to Blast Test by North Korea -- New York Times
China's patience with North Korea wears thin after latest nuclear test -- The Guardian
Analysis: US needs China to get tough on NKorea -- Matthew Pennington, AP
China's delicate balancing act with North Korea -- Celia Hatton, BBC
China, North Korea - close as lips and teeth -- John Garnaut, Sydney Morning Herald
Challenge China on North Korea -- Doug Bandow, National Interest

My Comment: This post from the BBC is spot-on .... China is going to stand by North Korea.