Premier Wen's Pyongyang Visit---What are the Implications for U.S. North Korea Policy?

Reports about Premier Wen Jiabao’s recent visit to Pyongyang focus on North Korea’s promise to return to six-nation nuclear negotiations if it sees progress in bilateral talks with Washington. However, the significance of the economic and commercial accords signed by China and North Korea on the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties has been largely overlooked. Beijing’s vow to bolster the stability of the Kim Jong-il regime comes at a time when Washington is seeking to shape North Korean behavior by multilaterally implementing financial sanctions. In this light, what is the impact of Premier Wen’s visit on U.S. North Korea policy?