China Thinks About Easing Sanctions on North Korea After Trump‑Kim Shake‑Up
In the aftermath of that historic Singapore summit where President Trump and Kim Jong‑Un shook hands and promised full denuclearisation, Beijing is looking at a potential reset of its tough stance on North Korea.
What China Really Has Been Saying
- China’s always played by the UN playbook—strictly following Security Council resolutions that anchor their sanctions.
- But the key point: when North Korea starts behaving, sanctions can lighten up—the UN says it’s there to support dialogue, not punish.
- China wants a political fix, not just a toolbox of penalties.
Geng Shuang’s Take
The foreign‑policy czar simply reminded reporters, “If Pyongyang follows the rules laid out in the UN resolutions, the sanctions can be paused or even lifted.” And there’s a big “thinking‑bubbles” moment: the sanctions are a side‑effect of a larger diplomatic push for peace.
Wang Yi’s Bigger Picture
In a calm speech, Wang Yi said, “We hope the U.S. and North Korea can cut out third‑party meddling, build trust, and reach a basic consensus on denuclearisation and a peace mechanism.” He added that China will stay the “constructive stick” in this negotiation, with a wink at the strategic importance of the Korean Peninsula to Beijing’s own stability.
Why It Matters to China
- North Korea is the frontline buffer against U.S. troops moving through South Korea.
- China fears a collapse could flood its northeastern provinces with refugees—or worse, spill nuclear fallout right into its backyard.
- It’s all about preventing “the worst-case scenario” that could wreck China’s rust‑belt economy.
Bottom Line
China’s messaging is a mix of diplomacy and realpolitik: it’s ready to ease sanctions if Pyongyang starts taking steps, but only while it supports talks that lead to lasting peace and security on the peninsula.
