Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel stated to Reuters that similar to adjusting the dosage of medicine, sanctions can be increased when they are not achieving the desired effects. Russel mentioned the possibility of new sanctions being imposed by the UN Security Council, the United States, or a coalition of countries 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 their nuclear weapons program. There are concerns that North Korea may conduct another nuclear test soon, possibly before a ruling party congress in May, after a recent missile test failure. It is estimated that up to 150,000 North Korean workers are employed abroad, primarily in China and Russia, contributing as much as $900 million annually. North Koreans are known to work overseas in various industries, including restaurants, construction, and as doctors. The success of current or potential new sanctions is heavily reliant on China fully enforcing 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, and instead remaining calm and showing restraint to resume talks. When asked about potential support for tougher sanctions in the event of another nuclear test, Hua Chunying declined to speculate. If North Korea were to conduct a fifth nuclear test, the United States, South Korea, and Japan could also take unspecified defensive actions, as explained by Russel. He mentioned that as the threat increases, our defensive capabilities should also adapt. He emphasized the possibility of diplomatic negotiations for North Korea to curb its nuclear program. South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee suggested focusing more on sanctions rather than dialogue, given North Korea's talk of further provocation. Russel discussed potential responses to a fifth nuclear test by North Korea, noting that sanctions have not effectively deterred them since their first nuclear test in 2006. He clarified that no decisions have been made yet regarding a response to an event that has not happened. US General Vincent Brooks, who President Barack Obama has selected to lead American forces in South Korea, stated on Tuesday that China is frustrated with North Korea's actions, such as its nuclear advancements, but is hesitant to use pressure that could jeopardize Kim Jong Un's regime. Brooks also noted that Kim Jong Un seems to be more bold and reckless than his father, Kim Jong Il, in disregarding international concerns and progressing the North'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 towards applying pressure on North Korea after exhausting other methods of persuasion. Russel also suggested that a more serious and sustained effort to pressure North Korea has not been attempted before. The level of dependence of the North Korean economy on China and its access to China is so significant that any change in China's stance could bring about a new dynamic. However, Frank Jannuzi, a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer for East Asia and the Pacific, expressed doubt that China was truly willing to exert substantial pressure on North Korea. He pointed out that while China has economic leverage, they are hesitant to fully utilize it due to concerns about potential negative consequences such as conflict, refugee crises, or turmoil.