China is currently in pole position to change the way North Korea is affecting the world, considering its economic ties with the Stalinist state. The rogue regime's determination to be recognized as a nuclear power provides a compelling impetus for the Chinese government to recalibrate their relationship.
North Korea holds the notoriety of being a tough party to contend with in negotiations, considering its determination to insist on its impractical demands. Although China's current stand on North Korea relies mainly on regional stability, current developments have pushed for convincing changes.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the murder of Kim Jong-Un's half-brother Kim Jong-Nam is a shaky test for China-North Korea ties, considering that he is allegedly under Chinese protection. The fact that North Korea shows no sign of relenting from nuclear launches also serves as a matter of serious consideration.
Recently, China has shown signs of assertiveness, having stopped its purchase of coal imports from North Korea as well as going after Chinese nationals involved in unlawful North Korean transactions. But the depth of China-North Korea ties alone demands more than just those actions.
China's debacle with the U.S. over the "One China" policy, which peaked when President Donald Trump exchanged pleasantries with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen over the phone, has now mellowed down. That gives China a greater incentive to cooperate with the U.S. over neutralizing North Korea's threat.
Considering that Japan and South Korea, two of China's economically strong neighbors, are building up military capabilities in response to North Korea missile tests, the U.S. can compel China to view its continuing economic relationship with North Korea as a greater compromise to regional stability.
Overall, China currently has a greater incentive to use its economic leverage over North Korea to compel it to give up its nuclear weapons. The status quo is increasingly contributing to greater regional instability, and smoother China-U.S. relations as of late gives China greater pivot to contain North Korea.