| China, North Korea's closest ally, is condemning | | | | professor at Beijing's People's University. |
| Pyongyang's announcement that it had exploded a | | | | "China has already felt betrayed by its so-called |
| nuclear device. News of the test came just a day | | | | ally, North Korea, previously. But this is of course, |
| after China had joined longtime rival Japan in | | | | more serious than any action that North Korea |
| condemning Pyongyang's plans to conduct a | | | | has taken before," he said. |
| nuclear test. | | | | The Chinese statement Monday was unusually |
| In a statement carried by the Xinhua state news | | | | blunt, saying that Pyongyang had acted "brazenly". |
| agency, the Chinese government Monday said | | | | Normally, Beijing uses more moderate language |
| China is "resolutely opposed" to the North Korean | | | | about its impoverished neighbor. |
| action. The statement, however, did not say what | | | | Shi and other analysts say the test may push |
| - if any - actions Beijing would take as a result. | | | | Beijing - the chief supplier of food and fuel to |
| China has warned the North repeatedly not to | | | | North Korea - to implement tougher sanctions |
| test. Shi Yinhong is an international relations | | | | than it has been willing to do before. |