Beijing lacks leverage over North Korea and will block moves for strong new sanctions for fear of weakening its position further, Chinese state media said on Thursday following Pyongyang’s rocket launch.
China is the North’s sole major ally, considered the nation with the most influence over Pyongyang, and after Wednesday’s rocket flight US officials urged it to intervene.
But in an editorial on Thursday the state-run Global Times said: “China’s ability to influence countries in the region is limited... The real problem is China’s strength is not sufficient to influence its neighbour’s situation.”
“NK move shows China’s lack of leverage” read its headline.
China voiced “regret” over the launch but state press said it could not support strong further measures against Pyongyang for fear of weakening its relationship.
A bellicose Western reaction risked driving North Korea into a corner with potentially devastating results, editorials said.
“That is why China should not take a co-operative stance with the US, Japan and South Korea in imposing sanctions on North Korea,” the Global Times said.