They might face an escalating trade war with Beijing, but Trump administration officials are optimistic that China will play a constructive role in ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts with North Korea.

Kim Jong Un concluded another visit with President Xi Jinping of China on Wednesday, and Trump administration officials are generally positive about Beijing’s approach towards Pyongyang. They sense that Beijing is playing a constructive role in persuading Kim to stay true to his commitments on denuclearization.