Trump: China ‘has not worked out’ on North Korea

President Trump on Tuesday said China has tried to help the United States solve increased tensions with North Korea, but “it has not worked out.”

“At least I know China tried!” Trump tweeted the day after an American detained for 17 months in North Korea died after being released and returning home.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2017

Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old University of Virginia student, died on Monday after returning from North Korea, where he was being held for allegedly trying to steal a political poster. North Korea has said Warmbier was in a coma for more than a year before his release.

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White House press secretary Sean Spicer did not have a specific answer when asked at Tuesday’s press briefing how the administration would respond to Warmbier’s death.

The Trump administration has urged China to put pressure on North Korea, specifically to help solve the issue of Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions. 

Trump last month slammed North Korea over a recent ballistic missile test, saying it disrespected China.

The president has also said that if China wants to, it will solve the North Korea problem.

Trump discussed North Korea in April when he hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and acknowledged the complexity of the situation in an interview after meeting with Xi.