All of the major powers in Northeast Asia--China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States--are on record as saying they do not want a nuclear North Korea. But Pyongyang's volatile behavior--represented this year by its defiant test of a long-range ballistic missile, its rejection of the Six-Party Talks and agreements reached via those negotiations, and its second test of a nuclear device--has stymied their efforts to keep a denuclearization process on track.

Dr. Victor Cha, who served as U.S. deputy head of delegation to the Six-Party Talks during the Bush administration, explores North Korea's latest diplomatic tactic, China's unique relationship with its troublesome neighbor, and other challenges confronting U.S. policymakers.

Additional titles in the Washington Report series