Trump’s decision to scrap US-North Korean talks could make China feel less compelled to squeeze Pyongyang economically.
The Chinese government is disappointed by US President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of his planned summit with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un – but privately the leadership will not be surprised.
After all, Beijing is caught between the world’s two most unpredictable leaders.
Just two days ago, while on a brief visit to Washington, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi had publicly urged the US to “cherish the opportunity for peace”.
So it is fair to assume that Trump’s decision amounts to a slap in the face not just for Pyongyang but also Beijing.
In his letter sent to Kim, Trump justified his decision on what he said was the “tremendous anger and open hostility” contained in North Korean statements in recent days.
But Chinese commentators say the summit’s demise ultimately began with John Bolton, Trump’s national security advisor, who essentially said Kim could end up like Muammar Gaddafi.
Libya’s late leader was forced to give up his nuclear ambitions in exchange for a normalisation of relations with the West. He was eventually killed by Western-backed rebels in 2011.
