China targets the weakest link in Washington-Tokyo-Seoul triad

TOKYO -- Beijing is taking advantage of a political rift in South Korea, attempting to throw a wrench in its relationship with the U.S. and Japan. China has aligned with South Korea's opposition in an effort to sway public sentiment and prevent the three countries from drawing closer, according to South Korean pundits. "China always goes for the jugular," said a Japanese government official. "It sees South Korea as the weakest link."