The Challenge to China
But can it bring its 'soft power' to bear without triggering total collapse in the Korean peninsula, which will have serious knock-on effects in the regional and global economies? More importantly - will it act?
Comment is free: China must restrain Pyongyang
The big challenge though is to China. While the United Nations can pass resolutions, China can take action. It is the major supplier of food and oil to North Korea.
The Kim regime has shown itself to be ruthlessly uninterested in the economic wellbeing of North Korea's people. But the only way to deal with this provocation is by economic, rather than military, force. China has the economic weapons.
A China responsibly taking the lead on behalf of the international community is one good thing that could come out of this unnerving situation.
