The New York Times has urged China to stop opposing South Korea-U.S. joint naval exercises and exert influence on North Korea.

In the editorial "North Korea's Latest Tantrum," the Times called China probably the only country with a serious chance of curbing the North’s craziest impulses.

With the North threatening a “physical response” to the naval exercises, the editorial said, "China, which has abetted the North’s excesses for too long, needs to ensure that Pyongyang’s bluster is only bluster."

It also said, "The U.S. and South Korea are right to demonstrate their strong alliance and resolve after North Korea sank a South Korean warship in March, killing 46 sailors."

The editorial added, "South Koreans have exercised admirable restraint, but they need to know that the United States is with them. The North Koreans need to know that further attacks won’t be tolerated."