In 2017, Sino-North Korea relations reached the lowest point in the history of ties between the two socialist neighbors. Tensions were particularly heightened by North Korea’s sixth nuclear test in September and the assassination of Kim Jong Nam in February.

However, despite these setbacks to China’s efforts to cool tensions and bring North Korea back to the negotiating table, none of China’s nightmare scenarios materialized and North Korea still finds utility in its relationship with China. The rift between Beijing and Pyongyang should not be overhyped.

What happened—and what didn’t—in