NORTH Korea's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Nov 29 brought about what are now routine responses: a pre-dawn National Security Council meeting in Seoul, similar emergency meetings in Tokyo and Washington, as well as urgent telephone consultations among the leaders concerned - American President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Mr Trump and Mr Abe agreed to step up their response and to urge China to do more. The missile had landed within the waters of Japan's special economic zone.

There was another party to be consulted: China. Mr Trump telephoned the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, and again urged him to cut off all oil deliveries to North Korea. Again, Mr Xi rebuffed him. China still insists on propping up the Kim Jong-un regime and, in doing so, enabling his nuclear weapons programme.