China Takes a Hard Look at North Korea

North Korea by itself is no threat to China. NK can hardly feed itself, cannot provide adequate electricity or the most basic human services to its long suffering people. China knows that a nuclear North Korea will require a nuclear armed Japan and possibly a nuclear South Korea. This disturbs tranquility and this is a very big thing for the Chinese. China warned North Korea of "serious consequences" if it carried out its threat to test its first nuclear bomb. That should give pause to the North Koreans, as China is about the only friend the Norks have.

Remarks, reported by The Independent, by China's envoy to the United Nations, Wang Guangya, that no one would protect North Korea if it proceeded with "bad behaviour" will get the attention of the North Koreans. "I think if North Koreans do have the nuclear test, I think that they have to realise that they will face serious consequences," Mr Wang said.

Bloomberg is reporting that Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing warned North Korea of ``serious consequences'' should it carry out a plan to test a nuclear weapon, Japan's Kyodo News reported, citing unidentified diplomatic officials. The Chinese have spoken. Will the Norks listen?

ITV is reporting:
N Korea plans 'nuclear test in coal mine'
11.56, Fri Oct 6 2006

"A Chinese source has revealed that North Korea is "more or less ready" to conduct a nuclear test deep inside an abandoned coal mine. (Picture: Reuters)

But he said the hermit kingdom may hold off if it can win concessions from the US.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a device would be detonated about 6,562 feet inside a mine near the border with China in the north of the country.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had issued instructions that the test should "not excessively rock" Mount Paektu, a nearby peak many Koreans consider sacred..."