President Donald Trump knocked China for its continued economic relationship with North Korea on Wednesday, tweeting "so much for China working with us" on the rogue state's nuclear threat.
"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!" he wrote.
North Korea announced Tuesday that it had successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, again flouting calls from the U.S. and its allies to cease such aggressive behavior. North Korea's state media claimed that it was now capable of striking the U.S. with a nuclear warhead, according to CNN.
The U.S. and China diverged, however, in their responses. China and Russia called for North Korea to stop its missile and nuclear programs in exchange for the U.S. and South Korea not holding joint military drills, but the latter two countries held a ballistic missile drill to counter "North Korea's destabilizing and unlawful actions."
The Trump administration previously said the president would send a "clear signal" to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the U.S. expected China to put pressure on North Korea over its belligerent behavior. North Korea depends heavily on China for economic support.
The United States made some of the worst Trade Deals in world history.Why should we continue these deals with countries that do not help us?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2017
Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2017
Trump wrote the tweets shortly before his scheduled departure for Poland. He will then travel to the G-20 Summit in Germany as part of his second trip overseas as president.
Getting ready to leave for Poland, after which I will travel to Germany for the G-20. Will be back on Saturday.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2017