The Trump-Kim summit and agreements reached in Singapore appeared to squarely benefit Beijing. Dialogue has long been China’s preferred approach to the North Korean nuclear issue, and, concerns of being sidelined notwithstanding, that the Singapore summit even took place was in and of itself a win.

In addition, the suspension of joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises was labeled a gift to China by domestic observers. (“Chinese netizens react to agreement to cancel U.S.-South Korea military exercises,” Sina Weibo, June 15)

However, Chinese media did not celebrate the outcomes. The Hong Kong