Foreign Policy

Trump Criticizes China Over North Korea: 'So Much For Working With Us'

U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressuring China to do more to curb North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile activities.

Trump Criticizes China Over North Korea: 'So Much For Working With Us'
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Article by Briana Koeneman
SMS
July 5, 2017

In the wake of yet another missile launch in North Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump is blaming China for not doing enough to stop it.

Trump said in a tweet early Wednesday, "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us — but we had to give it a try!"

Beijing is North Korea's closest ally and its main supplier of food, weapons and other goods.

Trump Talks Trade, North Korea With South Korea's President

Trump Talks Trade, North Korea With South Korea's President

President Trump hosted South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House to discuss North Korean aggression and bilateral trade deals.

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The Trump administration has been pressuring China to enforce sanctions against the North to try to curb the country's nuclear and long-range missile activities.

But experts say Trump has other options. The New York Times notes the U.S. could impose tougher economic sanctions on North Korea, attempt diplomatic negotiations or use military force, among other actions.

The U.S. and the United Nations have already levied numerous sanctions against North Korea. But those seemingly haven't had a big effect on the North's weapons program. Negotiations would likely be difficult because the U.S. and North Korea don't have any diplomatic relations.

And military options carry big risks. The top American general in South Korea said "self-restraint" is the only thing keeping the U.S. from going to war with the North.