The problem with North Korea is China

North Korea is China’s proxy, not an independent actor. United States policy needs to adjust to this reality, placing the onus for North Korea’s nuclear missile program where it belongs: in Beijing. Such a shift could defuse the immediate crisis on the Korean Peninsula while laying the groundwork for a resolution in line with U.S. national interests pending two policy changes.

First, announce that any North Korean nuclear strike will be treated as a nuclear strike from China. This treats the North Korean nuclear missile program in its proper context: an unconventional extension of China’s strategic nuclear missile program. It will also place China on notice that we have seen through the deception that North Korea acts alone.