Political Tight Rope

July 2006 | Ratings Update

China's low-key response to North Korea's missile launches emphasises its predicament as it tries to both support and pressure Pyongyang. The two countries have enjoyed strong ties but international uproar over the tests have made it difficult for China to remain loyal to North Korea and maintain good relations with the US. The six-nation talks hosted by China, aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear ambitions, have stalled as Pyongyang refuses to take part and the US threatens financial sanctions. China, the North's main trading partner, is unlikely to do anything to risk disrupting their alliance, but is surely growing frustrated

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