Conflicting approaches between involved parties has led to a persistent stalemate in U.S.-North Korea and inter-Korean negotiations in the aftermath of the Hanoi summit, while the U.S.-China relationship has worsened due to a continued trade dispute and events in Hong Kong.

Despite this, Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that he will continue to respect UN Security Council sanctions as a responsible member of the international community, all the while showing sympathy for Kim Jong Un’s view that only with sanctions relief can the drive to denuclearization be maintained.

U.S.-Chinese relations are gradually devolving into a political and military confrontation,