China will not tolerate an additional nuclear test and any provocations by North Korea, Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie told retired military leaders from South Korea in Beijing recently.
| Not until it's in their best interests... |
Ko Myung-seung, the president of the Korea Retired Generals and Admirals Association, told the Chosun Ilbo that Liang "expressed strong opposition" to any additional provocations from North Korea when leaders of the association met him on June 19.
| "Really, we try to control them for their own good. But you know how it is -- mad dogs and Englishmen and all that." |
It is rare for a Chinese government official to speak his mind about the antics of Beijing's closest ally.
Ko quoted Liang as saying North Korean leader Fat Boy Kim Jong-un is preoccupied with economy, while his aides are focusing on diplomatic opening and economic policies, so Kim is more likely to listen to China's advice than his predecessors Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. |