Key facts
- China may not block U.S.-North Korea diplomacy but is unlikely to play a central role, according to former U.S. diplomat Daniel Kritenbrink.
- Kritenbrink stated that Beijing will be suspicious of any significant thaw in Washington-Pyongyang relations.
- He believes China might welcome diplomacy if it furthers stability on the Korean Peninsula.
- Kritenbrink expects Trump and Xi to discuss North Korea at their upcoming summit but doubts significant agreement.
- He is skeptical that North Korea is interested in resuming talks with the U.S.
China may not obstruct renewed diplomacy between the United States and North Korea, but it is unlikely to play a central role in such reengagement, according to Daniel Kritenbrink, a former senior U.S. diplomat. Kritenbrink, who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, stated that Beijing will likely remain cautious and suspicious of any significant thaw in Washington-Pyongyang relations.