US Looks to China to Step Up on North Korea

Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Tuesday condemned North Korea’s latest nuclear test and said the United States is working to “get the rest of the international community to condemn” it. Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 12 to discuss budget matters, Carter said, when asked about the test, he’s “particularly looking to China” to join in the condemnation since it plays “a pivotal role in influencing” North Korea. “The Chinese have significant influence,” said Carter. “We need them to use it,” he added. He called the situation after the test “extremely dangerous.” In a White House release on Tuesday, President Obama characterized the communist nation’s move—its third nuclear test since 2006—a “highly provocative act” that “undermines regional stability,” “violates North Korea’s obligations” under UN Security Council resolutions, and “increases the risk of proliferation,” among the consequences. The Director of National Intelligence’s office issued a statement on Tuesday saying the North Koreans “probably conducted an underground nuclear explosion in the vicinity of P’unggye” on Feb. 12. The explosion yield was “approximately several kilotons,” according to the statement, which adds that “analysis of the event continues.”