China will work closely with the United States in a joint effort to discourage further North Korea missile and nuclear tests. This was declared by the American President Barack Obama shortly after the launch of a short-range missile which took place this morning. According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, the missile launched from the east coast of North Korea at 12.45 local time (04.15 Zulu time) would have traveled 60 miles and then sank off the Sea of Japan.
"President Xi and I will work for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and for the full application of the sanctions provided by the UN for those who violate international obligations" - said Obama on the sidelines of a nuclear summit held in Washington, which he met. Chinese President Xi Jinping also took part. For his part, the Chinese president has declared himself resolute in wanting to apply "rigorously" the sanctions envisaged against North Korea. Important statement, as the People's Republic of China is the first trading partner of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
In response to North Korea's continuing demonstrations of 'strength' (such as the launch of two "Nodong" medium-range ballistic missiles in March 2014, the launch of two short-range missiles launched at the joint exercise between South Korea and the USA in March 2015, the launch of a long-range rocket last month, and the peak, reached in January with the Kilju test of the 'alleged' H-bomb), the two leaders are starting to discuss the possible deployment of a sophisticated missile system to be deployed in South Korea.
Meanwhile, the United States and South Korea are exhibiting more and more frequently in joint military pyrotechnics: to show their 'muscles' and to underline what could be the consequences of a wrong move by the Pyongyang regime. Actions seen by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a dress rehearsal for a "great invasion".
While the United States urges China to further encourage North Korea - a traditional ally of Beijing - to stop its nuclear program, international newspapers report the fear of Beijing about the possible interference that the US could acquire in the Asian chessboard if they start to arm their allies in the area: South Korea and Japan.
