China has spelt out its DPRK policy

Many observers have interpreted China's policy toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in recent times as "not-so-tolerant", especially because Beijing backed UN-led sanctions against Pyongyang after it conducted its third nuclear test in 2013. The purge and execution of Jang Song-thaek, once-powerful uncle of top DPRK leader Kim Jong-un, at the end of last year too dealt a blow to China-DPRK ties.

But such speculations, which understate the relationship between China and the DPRK and view Pyongyang as a "strategic burden" of Beijing, are by and large inaccurate. The fact is that, China remains committed both to maintaining its traditional relationship with the DPRK and strengthening its cooperation with the Republic of Korea.

Indeed, President Xi Jinping's visit to Seoul in July broke the established diplomatic practice of the top Chinese leader visiting the DPRK before the ROK. But, at best, it only indicates the China-DPRK relationship has hit a speed bump, rather than reached a tipping point. Despite Pyongyang's extreme moves such as conducting the nuclear test, Beijing prefers to leave some maneuvering space in the "sanctions" against Pyongyang.