China has thrown it's hat into the ring, proclaiming they will use military force to prevent a regime change in North Korea if the U.S. strikes first. They also claimed they will remain neutral in the event that North Korea strikes first, according to Reuters.
China is looking for a continuation of the status quo and has made it clear that it does not wish to change the political situation on the Korean peninsula. As North Korea prepares for yet another ICBM test launch, the US is beginning 18-day military exercises with Japan and South Korea involving 3,500 troops, rockets, and artillery testing. The "Northern Viper" drills, as they are called, is not a response to the latest North Korean provocations - they are scheduled well in advance.
As ING's chief Asia economist Robert Carnell said in a research note: "this is looking to be this generation's Cuban Missile Crisis moment."
Source material by Reuters.
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