http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-10-09-korea-china_x.htmChina has described its relationship with North Korea as one that is "as close as lips and teeth."
With North Korea's announcement that it tested a nuclear device, its "teeth now bite China's lips," said Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations at People's University in Beijing.
China angrily denounced the apparent test as "brazen" in a statement Monday and demanded that North Korea stop any action that could worsen the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.
