As if to cover up their own helplessness on the issue, some countries have demonstrated a renewed penchant for pointing an accusing finger at China, alleging that China has not put enough pressure on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to rein in its nuclear weapons program.

As well as provoking a new round of vehement criticism and condemnation from the international community, the test-launch of a second intercontinental ballistic missile by the DPRK on Friday prompted Washington to once again claim Beijing is not exercising the influence it has over Pyongyang.

US President Donald Trump tweeted after the launch that he was "very disappointed" with China and Beijing was doing "nothing" to curb Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.