[jimbug]

Unlike the Russians, China thinks long term. The last thing they want is a projection of Western naval power, ready to launch, off the Korean coast.

That is already reality, and Xi has taken the measure of President Trump and knows that there is a new sheriff in town.

[poconopundit]

The last thing they want is a projection of Western naval power, ready to launch, off the Korean coast.

Very good point.  So a few things are helping to focus the mind of that butch-cut kid who rules North Korea:

• The successful strike on the Syrian airbase.
• The Carl Vinson task force steaming to Korea.
• China and US leaders laughing and joking together in Palm Beach.
• Self defense missile deployments to South Korea & Japan.
• Trump anger at North Korea.
• Trump's unpredictability.
• Trump's history of winning.
• A man with the nickname "Mad Dog" is
• T-Rex going to talk tough to the Russians this week.
• China refusing to take its coal -- 20% of North Korea's exports.

[poconopundit]

The last thing they want is a projection of Western naval power, ready to launch, off the Korean coast.

Very good point.  So a few things are helping to focus the mind of that butch-cut kid who rules North Korea:

• The successful strike on the Syrian airbase.
• The Carl Vinson task force steaming to Korea.
• China and US leaders laughing and joking together in Palm Beach.
• Self defense missile deployments to South Korea & Japan.
• Trump anger at North Korea.
• Trump's unpredictability.
• Trump's history of winning.
• A man with the nickname "Mad Dog" is
• T-Rex going to talk tough to the Russians this week.
• China refusing to take its coal -- 20% of North Korea's exports.