Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time. While the two agree on the need to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and China, there are several agenda items that are likely to become contentious, not least of which is North Korea. Trump has accused China of not doing enough to reel in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.  White House advisors say that behind closed doors Trump is likely to call on China to cut off its financial support, even threatening sanctions. A factor missing from the administration’s calculation is the role of Chinese fishing vessels in North Korean waters, which reveals an added layer of complexity to last week’s meeting.

Read more here

Subscription Options

* indicates required

Research Areas

Pivotal Places

Publications & Project Lists

38 North: News and Analysis on North Korea