In the last several decades, U.S. antiproliferation measures, from sanctions to détente, have not brought concrete or substantial progress on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The time has come to formulate a new, effective policy to achieve regional peace and economic prosperity.

Yet such a policy won’t succeed without enlisting China’s cooperation, a reality the White House appears to recognize. As Kim’s singular socialist ally with the power to enforce economic sanctions, only Beijing can coerce North Korea to dismantle its nuclear program.