Torn between options, what can China do to rein in North Korea?
Washington wants Beijing to take a tougher line on Pyongyang – including taking action against companies it says support the regime – but China doesn’t want to be seen as caving in to the US, analysts say
Any punitive measures by Beijing against companies allegedly supporting North Korea would be carefully calibrated – to push Pyongyang to stop its nuclear tests but avoid being seen as giving in to US pressure, analysts say.
Restrictions on tourists going to North Korea could also be an option after the death of an American student who was detained there, the analysts said, although China also wanted to ensure that the regime remained stable.
Wrapping up a one-day China-US security dialogue on Wednesday, Tillerson said China had “diplomatic responsibility” to exert economic pressure on Pyongyang, which had become more volatile with its repeated nuclear and missile tests.
Pressure is mounting on China to do more to rein in its reclusive neighbour. Tillerson said last week that the US expected Beijing to take action against its list of 10 bodies in China that it suspected were doing illicit business with Pyongyang. But Pyongyang has also hit back at Beijing for bowing to Washington.