North Korea has been acting in an increasingly provocative manner, threatening nuclear and missile tests, and imprisoning two U.S. reporters captured on the North’s border with China. What can be done? War is not an acceptable option, increased sanctions seem unlikely to work, and so far diplomacy has proved ineffective. Does working in closer cooperation with China offer a better option? Beijing has the most clout in Pyongyang, but remains unwilling to use its influence. Could U.S. policymakers persuade China to take a more active role, perhaps even working to oust the murderous regime of Kim Jong-il? What arguments would be most compelling for Beijing and what incentives might Washington offer to win China’s cooperation?
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