In ‘The New Ledger:’ Holding China Accountable

Here’s a quote:

Afer the 2006 nuclear test, John Bolton pressured China into voting for U.N. Security Council Resolution 1718, which seemed to impose tough sanctions on North Korea. A detailed study by the economist and North Korea expert Marcus Noland later revealed that China also undermined the very sanctions it voted for in Resolution 1718 with increased cross-border aid and trade. China also instructed its banks to free up the movement of North Korean assets. Most recently, China blocked any effective U.N. response to North Korea’s 2009 missile test, further signaling to the North Koreans that their provocations would go unanswered. The State Department, which generally sees no higher purpose than good relations with China, prefers not to mention any of this, although there have been some exceptions. Several years ago, the proliferation expert and Bush Administration official David Asher called China out for its double-dealing, specifically for failing to put effective pressure on North Korea, and for allowing North Korean proliferation networks to use and cross its territory. Why should we expect China to be any more helpful this time?  [Link]

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