it was a big focus at the first state department briefing under the trump administration. >> we are very concerned that the escalation, the continuing testing and augmenting of its weapons program is of great concern. and it's getting to the point where we need to do -- we do need to look at other alternatives. >> now, we hear china is suggesting that north korea suspend its military nuclear activities but in exchange for what. cnn international correspondent joins us from seoul. hi there. >> hi there, christine. all of this is all the elements for the first foreign cries to face. since taking office. you're seeing a ratcheting up of tensions in the region. china weighing in, the foreign minister saying that both sighs essentially need to pump the brakes as you point out. he's calling for the north koreans to put an end to their