The Australian argues that US President Donald Trump is playing the role of strongman but he needs a cool head and China should do more to rein in Pyongyang.
North Korea has responded to President Trump's 'fire and fury' threats, saying the state is considering plans for a missile strike on the US Pacific territory of Guam.
The Australian expresses concern that the bellicosity is frightening because it relates to a real and present danger.
North Koreas nuclear advances have proceeded much more quickly than expected. US intelligence believes the country has now not only missiles capable of reaching the US mainland or northern Australia but also the ability to shrink a nuclear bomb onto a device small enough to fit on a missile.
The paper points out that this dramatically escalates the risks and only China could bring this regime to heel.
It says although China claims its influence is over-estimated, it is widely believed that China prefers North Korea as a buffer zone between its own border and those of key US allies South Korea and Japan.
The paper explains that Australia faces a direct security risk and the prospect of growing tensions between China and our key security ally. China and the US are our two most important trading partners; our third and fourth, South Korea and Japan, are also directly affected by this strategic challenge.
The Australian argues that Mr Trump who is playing the role of strongman needs to stay cool and China must do more to help.
