World War 3: 'Smart cookie' Kim Jong-un top dog as world on the brink of nuclear wipeout
KIM JONG-UN holds all the cards in North Korea’s conflict with the United States and its allies, according to a diplomat.
American ambassador: Kim-Jong-Un is in 'the captain seat'
Max Baucus, former US ambassador to China, said the North Korean tyrant had tested Western reactions and was in control over what happens next.
Speaking on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, Mr Baucus said the United States was in a “tough spot”.
He added Donald Trump needed to work with China as the country decided its next move.
He said: “I think Kim Jung-un is a rational person, he’s not a nutcase as many believe or would like to believe and he’s essentially in the captain’s seat.
Max Baucus said Kim Jong-un was in a strong position after North Korea fired a missile over Japan
Kim Jung-un is a rational person, he’s not a nutcase as many believe
“It’s up to Kim now as to what happens next. He’s looking at Western reactions, trying to determine for himself where the red line is for him.
“I think he’s a sharp cookie. I think he has determined pretty well where that red line is, that is if he crosses it, he finds a massive retaliation.
“So we’re in a tough spot and I think that the solution is, to a large degree, depends on how well we, that is the Western countries - the United States, UK and others - can work with China and China’s going to drive a hard bargain.
“China’s not going to stand idly by as the United States tries to work out a potential unilateral solution with North Korea.
“We’re in a new era here and it means the United States, especially as we try to lead on these matters, have to be very shrewd and smart in figuring out a concerted solution which includes many countries but especially China.”
North Korea fired yet another missile from Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan on Monday evening, crossing Japanese territory in the boldest show of force under Kim Jong-un's authoritarian rule.
Now the Japanese Prime Minister has warned enough is enough amid rising fears of World War 3.
As he entered his office for an emergency meeting, Mr Abe said: "We will make utmost efforts to firmly protect the lives of the people."