China cheered the resumption of dialogue between North and South Korea in early January, as well as the U.S. agreement to postpone joint military exercises scheduled during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. After two tense years, it seemed regional players are making meaningful moves away from conflict and toward dialogue: both of which China has long encouraged.

However, while Chinese media pointed to the developments as a vindication of Beijing’s policies, outside observers remained cautious, and the situation remained complicated below the surface.

North and South Korea resume talks

Though China has