The developments since the theatrical summit between American President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un may have dented Trump's self-claimed deal-making prowess. But China, North Korea's patron, must have been relieved.
Contrary to Trump's claims, the Kim's post-summit behavior suggests, as Beijing expected and most likely endorsed, that the "denuclearization" talks between the U.S. and North Korea will be a protracted process with uncertain outcomes.