Seoul's move worsens regional security situation

While overestimating Beijing's influence on Pyongyang, Seoul has to a greater extent undervalued Beijing's commitment and endeavors to broker peace between the two Koreas.

Beijing fully endorsed the UN sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the belief that there is no better way to dissuade Pyongyang from continuing with its nuclear weapons program, and persuading it to return to the negotiating table.

And despite the continuous show of defiance by Pyongyang, there are credible signs the United Nations sanctions are beginning to bite.