Donald Trump has accused China of providing considerable support to North Korea, saying its actions were “not helpful” as US efforts to force Pyongyang to denuclearise hit an impasse.
The US president also appeared to contradict his defence secretary Jim Mattis, declaring there was no reason to spend large amounts of money on war games with South Korea, only a day after Mr Mattis said joint military exercises were continuing.
“President Donald J Trump feels strongly that North Korea is under tremendous pressure from China because of our major trade disputes with the Chinese government. At the same time, we also know that China is providing North Korea with considerable aid, including money, fuel, fertiliser and various other commodities. This is not helpful!” Mr Trump said in a White House statement he tweeted out on Wednesday evening.