SEOUL, South Korea – The top U.S. military officer expressed frustration Wednesday with what he called China's unwillingness to rein in North Korea, calling again on Beijing to use its unique leverage to push the North to stop provocations.
Adm. Mike Mullen emphasized the U.S. commitment to South Korea's defense, saying their alliance remained unquestioned and denouncing North Korea's aggression, including an artillery attack last month that killed four South Koreans, as "belligerent, reckless behavior."
Mullen's remarks reflect a two-pronged approach by South Korea, the U.S. and Japan: On the one hand, they are threatening the North with quick and merciless retaliation if it attacks again; on the other, they are seeking a diplomatic way out, and mostly seem to be hoping China will provide it.
Beijing is the North's only major ally and an important source of aid. While China has repeatedly called for calm and negotiations in the wake of the shelling, its leaders have long been unwilling to push the North too far for fear the government could buckle, sending a stream of refugees across their shared border.