Despite tensions in the DMZ and in the seas surrounding North Korea, Pyongyang was quiet during the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s 19th Congress from October 18-24 and U.S. President Trump’s subsequent 12-day visit to Asia.

Observers in China took note of the lack of nuclear and missile tests and speculated on the reasons, as well as what is to come. In general, commentary from mainland Chinese sources on North Korea was less prevalent in October and November, likely due to the sensitive political climate.

Sino-DPRK relations during 19th Party Congress[/p