U.S. President Donald Trump's apocalyptic threats against North Korea have attracted much international attention but not China's unceasing warmongering against India. As the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops on the small, desolate Doklam Plateau enters its third month, Beijing's saber- rattling against India shows no sign of easing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sought to present himself as the voice of reason by calling for U.S. restraint on North Korea, even as his regime has been busy hurling almost daily threats at India. The American press has published Xi's call for dialogue and negotiations to find a diplomatic solution to the North Korea issue without citing his opposition to similarly settle the Doklam impasse with India.

In reality, Xi faces a frustrating paradox: He is seeking to avert a military conflict over the potential threats posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile advances just when he is searching for a way to punish India, including by potentially employing force.