Although denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains a priority for China, the US, Russia, and both Koreas, there remain significant gaps to address before the diplomatic process can be successful.

With Xi’s visit to Pyongyang, some observers speculated that he sought to lessen US pressure in exchange for progress on North Korean denuclearization. But China handles North Korea for its own sake and particular reasons, not to “play the North Korea card” in dealing with the US.

Xi’s recent visit to Kim Jong-un affirmed China-North Korea ties—Beijing will not break with Pyongyang to appease the US. However, China can still play a constructive role in encouraging a new round of Xi-Trump talks to lay the foundations for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Talks signal leaders are ready to cooperate as both confront fraying relations with U.S.

Despite Trump’s diplomacy, North Korea will likely keep its nuclear capabilities while seeking more economic integration. This will pose complications for China, as either the US or other regional powers will pursue greater deterrence against a de facto nuclear North Korea.

Leader Kim Jong Un is signaling a firmer stance toward the U.S. following the breakdown of denuclearization talks.

The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on two Chinese shipping companies it says helped North Korea evade sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, the first such steps since a U.S.-North Korean summit collapsed last month.

North Korea is considering suspending talks with the United States and may rethink a ban on missile and nuclear tests unless Washington makes concessions, news reports from the North’s capital on Friday quoted a senior diplomat as saying.

To truly understand what led to the collapse of the second Trump-Kim summit, one must assess the context and values of each party involved.

Kim Jong Un’s secretive train journey from North Korea to Vietnam ultimately represents a win for China. Traversing the entire country, Kim had only to look out the window to realize that China is a viable alternative to the US when it comes to brokering political survival.