The three global superpowers are key players in the Pacific and communist Beijing has long held close ties with its despotic neighbour.

Experts in the region say the countries must put aside their differences if they want to prevent a nuclear attack by Pyongyang.

But they also voice concern that existing tensions between Russia, the US and China could scupper any chance of a peace deal brokered by the three heavyweights.

Kim Jong-un declared his country at the “front rank” of nuclear military powers on Thursday after the pariah state test-fired another ballistic missile, this time fired from a submarine.

The North Korean leader declared it a “great success” after the projectile flew for 300 miles in the direction of Japan.

North Korea has conducted a spate of military technology tests this year, including a fourth nuclear test in January and numerous ballistic missile launches.

… Harry Sa, research analyst at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, added: “The US wants a united Korea that is democratic, capitalist and pro-Western, while China wants North Korea to be a buffer against American presence.

“Russia would also seek to prevent the US from grabbing such a large foothold in continental Asia.”