Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel stated to Reuters on Tuesday that like a regimen of medicine, the dosage of sanctions can be increased if the desired effects are not achieved. Russel mentioned the possibility of imposing new sanctions by the UN Security Council, the United States, or a coalition of nations from the European Union and Southeast Asia. North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch led to expanded UN sanctions in an effort to cut off funding for its nuclear weapons program. There are concerns that North Korea may conduct a fifth nuclear test soon, potentially before a ruling party congress in early May. Estimates suggest that there are up to 150,000 North Korean workers abroad, primarily in China and Russia, who send back around $900 million annually. North Koreans are known for working abroad in various industries, including restaurants, construction sites, and as doctors. The success of current or potential future sanctions against North Korea relies heavily on China's full implementation of them, as China is North Korea's neighbor, closest ally, and biggest trading partner, according to US officials and analysts. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying emphasized the importance of all parties avoiding actions or statements that could escalate tensions, remaining calm, and showing restraint to facilitate a return to talks. When asked about the possibility of China supporting tougher sanctions in response to another nuclear test by North Korea, Hua Chunying declined to answer, calling it a hypothetical question. If North Korea were to conduct a fifth nuclear test, the United States, South Korea, and Japan could also consider taking unspecified "defense-related measures," as stated by Russel. He mentioned that as the threat increases, our defensive capabilities need to adapt. He also highlighted the possibility of diplomatic negotiations for North Korea to curb its nuclear program. South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee emphasized the importance of imposing sanctions rather than engaging in dialogue, especially as North Korea talks about more provocation. Russel discussed potential responses to a fifth nuclear test by North Korea, acknowledging the failure of sanctions to deter them since their first nuclear test in 2006. He mentioned that no decisions have been made yet regarding a response to an event that has not taken place. US General Vincent Brooks, who has been nominated by President Barack Obama to lead American forces in South Korea, stated that China is frustrated with North Korea's actions, particularly its nuclear advancements. However, China is hesitant to apply pressure that could jeopardize Kim Jong Un's government. Brooks also noted that Kim Jong Un appears to be more daring, arrogant, and impulsive than his father, Kim Jong Il, as he continues to ignore international concerns and advance North Korea's nuclear program. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel mentioned that it will take time to assess the effectiveness of the latest sanctions, but China has shifted from encouraging and persuading North Korea to applying pressure. Russel also pointed out that there is an argument for the need for serious and sustained pressure on North Korea, which has not been done before. The North Korean economy relies heavily on China, and China's recent statements may indicate a change in their approach towards North Korea. However, Frank Jannuzi, a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer, doubts that China will actually increase pressure on North Korea due to concerns about potential consequences such as conflict or refugee crises.