Introduction

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s nuclear tests have led to tougher U.N. sanctions that even China supports. Kcna/Reuters North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s nuclear tests have led to tougher U.N. sanctions that even China supports.

President Obama and President Xi Jinping of China are scheduled to meet privately today as world leaders gather in Washington to discuss nuclear security. The two leaders will likely talk about rising tensions in Asia given North Korea’s nuclear test in January, and its long-range rocket launch in February. Is Beijing’s decision this month to support tougher United Nations sanctions against North Korea evidence that China’s attitude toward North Korea is changing?

Ali Wyne, fellow at the Atlantic Council and the Truman National Security Project, suggested this discussion.