Several key events have shifted the calculus on North Korea for both China and the U.S. since October 14. While debate continues over further sanctions in the wake of North Korea’s fifth nuclear test, conducted September 9, domestic political developments in South Korea and the U.S. further complicate what is increasingly perceived as a “hopeless” situation.

NEW ENGAGEMENT

Most notably, the U.S. and North Korea held unofficial meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 22 and 23. From China’s perspective, this is a break from the oft-lamented U.S. policy of sanctions and military