This April 15 marks the 101^st birthday of Kim Il-Sung, the current leader’s grandfather and, despite his 1994 death, North Korea’s “eternal president.” The lack of any provocations from the regime this date is good news, considering the North Korean habit of scheduling important weapons tests and other grand gestures around their national holidays. Fears that the reclusive regime would launch the missiles recently stationed on its eastern coast seem, thankfully, to have been unfounded.

Secretary of State John Kerry recently completed a trip to the region. His three day tour was aimed at addressing the ongoing situation and reassuring regional allies of US commitments, as well getting cooperation from, among others, China in enforcing the sanctions imposed by the UN following North Korea’s illegal satellite launch and nuclear test earlier this year.

On his stop in Tokyo, Secretary Kerry discussed the possibilities of talks with the hostile regime, but made it clear that any progress would rely on Pyongyang’s willingness to collaborate and cease their dangerous pursuit of nuclear weapons: “We’re not going to go through another cycle of artificial negotiations that are geared to simply attract some kind of aid or lull in events while they continue to pursue their devices’ designs,” he said.

With the regime dialing down its reckless provocations, it seems Pyongyang may ease up after weeks of posturing and bellicose rhetoric. The sudden change in attitude could in part stem from US and South Korean signals that that high level talks might be possible, but the increased Chinese pressure on its troublesome ally may also play a significant part.

As North Korea is perceived gradually less relevant to Chinese security, Pyongyang has reacted with an increased focus on its nuclear program and other means of leverage. Although traditionally unwilling to punish North Korea, a country entirely dependent on Chinese supplies, Beijing has shown increased willingness to pressure the unpredictable regime. During Secretary Kerry’s visit to Beijing, Chinese top diplomat, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, confirmed China’s support for a denuclearized Korean peninsula. In a meeting with President Xi Jinping, the president and Secretary Kerry agreed to work together towards a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

Amid claims of North Korean nuclear capabilities, however unfounded, the lack of dramatic news from the Korean peninsula should be quite welcome. The current lull in hostilities along with increased Chinese cooperation could in a best case scenario provide room for work towards constructive solutions on the Korean peninsula.

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