China, North Korea: Closing a Bridge, Not Burning One

China is sending a message on the Korean Peninsula. On Nov. 24, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced it would temporarily close the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge. The ministry stated that the bridge, which carries anywhere between 50 and 70 percent of the trade between China and North Korea, will be reopened after repairs have been made, possibly as soon as Dec. 4. The decision follows a Nov. 21 announcement that Air China would suspend flights between Beijing and North Korea, citing a lack of demand. Although both suspensions are justifiable, Beijing appears to be using these subtle maneuvers to signal displeasure with Pyongyang....