UN Condemns North Korea Rocket Launch, Vows Sanctions Soon North Korea's rocket launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyong 4 on February 7, 2016. (AFP File Photo)
North Korean nuclear and rocket tests are drawing quick responses from the US that will upset a supposed partner against Pyongyang's weapons development, China.
New efforts to toughen South Korea's missile defense system and sanctions legislation moving swiftly through Congress could both hurt Chinese interests. China is concerned the missile defense could be used against it, and the US sanctions could hit Chinese companies that trade with North Korea.
The US and China both oppose North Korea's development of nuclear weapons. But a January 6 atomic explosion and Sunday's rocket launch, condemned as a test of ballistic missile technology, have exposed stark differences between Washington and Beijing on how to deal with North Korean provocations.
Beijing is reluctant to impose stiff economic sanctions, fearing a North Korean collapse.