China has long been the main ally of North Korea, but as it assumes a greater role in international affairs, Beijing will find it more difficult to defend the isolated regime, analysts say.
North Korea’s nuclear test this week and its threat to attack US and South Korean ships has infuriated the international community, which leaves China with less room to stand by Pyongyang’s side, they say.
And that could mean dire consequences for Kim Jong Il’s regime — possibly including new UN sanctions on the North and a severe cut in trade and assistance from the one nation that keeps it afloat.
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“China will have to support another… UN Security Council resolution undeniably or risk total isolation,” said Georgetown University’s Victor Cha, a former Asian Affairs director at the US National Security Council.
As one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, China wields veto power and can block any attempt to impose new sanctions against the North.
