North Korea has a missile that can likely range most of the U.S., and President Donald Trump’s patience with China has run out.
Trump tweeted Saturday evening that he is “very disappointed in China,” which he accused of making billions off the U.S. while doing nothing to stop North Korea.
I am very disappointed in China. Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2017
…they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2017
When Trump first met Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago residence in early April, he expressed hope that China would take steps to rein in its aggressive, nuclear neighbor.
I have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea. If they are unable to do so, the U.S., with its allies, will! U.S.A.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2017
Over the past few months, the president’s patience with China has worn thin. While China suspended coal imports and cut gas exports, trade continues between China and North Korea. Beijing remains hesitant to put the kind of pressure necessary on Pyongyang.
North Korea has tested a collection of new short-, medium-, intermediate-, and long-range ballistic missiles, as well as improved surface-to-air and coastal defense cruise missiles. The North tested the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time earlier this month. The North Korean military tested this missile again Friday, demonstrating an ability to strike most of America’s major cities, according to leading experts.
Trump’s tweets reflect his growing frustration with China’s failure to act.
While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2017
Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us – but we had to give it a try!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2017
Trump’s latest tweets signal that he has finally come to the conclusion that China will not solve the North Korea problem for the U.S. For months, China’s rhetoric on this issue has indicated that Beijing’s strategic interests in the region are not in line with Washington’s, limiting opportunities for cooperation.
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