Meanwhile, Beijing was so angered by Kim’s test–which China had publicly warned against–that it sent top national-security official Tang Jiaxuan to Pyongyang. The senior officials say Beijing threatened to cut off fuel and food supplies. How did Kim respond? Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Aso said: “Though it is not confirmed, we have obtained information that [Kim] told Mr. Tang the country won’t conduct a second nuclear test.” Diplomatic sources (anonymous due to the sensitive subject) say they believe Kim’s pledge covers missile tests, too. But Condoleezza Rice, after her “thorough” briefing in Beijing, indicated Kim was far from conciliatory. Tang, though, seemed to feel he’d made some gain. Kim refused to see him after July’s test. Last week, Tang commented: “Fortunately, this time my visit has not been in vain.”
