North Korea, China and The US: Bank of the Yalu River?

Two months ago – China announced the immediate suspension of coal imports from North Korea – cutting off a vital economic lifeline for North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un.

Six days ago - U.S. Pacific Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed as a North Korean KN-15 medium-range ballistic missile launched from land near the eastern coastal city of Sinpo. The firing was made as South Korean and U.S. troops were conducting their springtime drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal.

Three days ago – POTUS ordered the U.S.S. Carl Vinson (CVN – 70) – a 1980 Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers to break off planned exercises in Australia and head toward the Korean peninsula. 

“US Pacific Command ordered the Carl Vinson strike group north as a prudent measure to maintain readiness and presence in the western Pacific.” – US Pacific Command.

Two days ago – Chosun a Korean news agency reported, the PRC has moved an estimated 150K troops to the border of the North Korea in order to prepare for “unforeseen circumstances.”