SEOUL: The US missile strike on Syria contained a clear message for North Korea and its main ally China, analysts said, but not one strong enough to push Pyongyang off its nuclear weapons path. Kim Yong-Hyun, a professor at Dongguk University, said the strike against Syria was a statement of intent that was meant for a wide readership. “Armed with nuclear weapons, he would hardly flinch at the attack in Syria,” Chang said. China is North Korea’s economic lifeline and as such enjoys more leverage over its maverick neighbour than any other country. In that context, the strike against Syria may resonate more firmly in Beijing than Pyongyang.

Source: The Star April 08, 2017 20:15 UTC