The joint statement signed by the United States and North Korea, in which Pyongyang agreed to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, is an outcome that pleases the Chinese, although there may be concerns that there is no stipulation it will be verifiable and irreversible.

With their security interests at stake, the Chinese will watch closely the forthcoming steps.

The major issue for China, said Associate Professor Li Mingjiang of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, is whether it will be sidelined or ignored.

“China wants to play a significant role in the next steps”, in-cluding discussions on denu-clearisation and the peace process, he added.