Despite the warnings and worries of the world community about its underground nuclear tests, once again North Korea has caused an outrage. Seismologists confirmed that the latest test had the power of a 4.5 quake. North Korea cannot defy the rest of the world without the support of China.

China is North Korea’s most important ally, biggest trading partner, and main source of food, arms, and fuel. In the hope of avoiding regime collapse and an uncontrolled influx of refugees across its 800-mile border with North Korea, China has helped sustain Kim Jong-Il‘s regime and opposed harsh international economic sanctions. The Chinese regime itself is not a good example of following international laws. As the Ashanti of Ghana say, “When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him.”