Though China isn’t specifically named, it’s clear who is being accused of ‘mean behavior.’
In an unusual commentary released by state media Thursday, North Korea accused a foreign country that claims to be a “friendly neighbor” of measures tantamount to an attempt to bring down the Pyongyang regime.
“This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the U. S. while defending its mean behavior with such excuses that it was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in [North Korea] but to check its nuclear program,” read an English-language translation of the commentary published by North Korean state news agency KCNA.
While the country in question is not identified, the commentary appears to be clearly aimed at China — long one of North Korea’s only major allies and a “big brother” often accused of propping up the Pyongyang regime.
[ North Korea says Malaysia can’t be trusted to investigate the killing of leader’s half brother ]
However, relations between China and North Korea have become strained in recent weeks by a number of key events. Experts say that Beijing has grown deeply frustrated with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after a recent missile test and the assassination of Kim’s half brother , long protected by China, at a Malaysian airport.
China’s anxiety over North Korea may have been heightened by a lack of clear policy on Pyongyang from President Trump, who has criticized China for supporting North Korea and promised more decisive U.
