Adm. Mike Mullen: China's Leadership Is 'Absolutely Critical' In North Korea

Nov. 24, 2010— -- The White House continued to put pressure on China today to help stabilize relations between North and South Korea after yesterday's artillery attack, the heaviest attack by North Korea on the South since the Korean War.

Today, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned of destabilization in East Asia if North Korea acquires nuclear weapons or continues to provoke its neighbors. He said that the United States is working with the rest of South Korea's allies to ease tension between the two countries.

Mullen said China will play a pivotal role in ensuring that North Korea does not escalate its actions.

"The one country that has influence in Pyongyang is China, and so their leadership is absolutely critical," Mullen said in an appearance with his wife, Deborah, on "The View."

China is North Korea's only ally and main economic partner. Officials from the State Department said that China has a duty to tell Pyongyang that deliberate acts "specifically intended to inflame tensions in the region" are not acceptable.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to discuss the attack by telephone with China's foreign minister.

In an exclusive interview with Barbara Walters Tuesday, President Obama called on China to stand firm and "make clear to North Korea that there are a set of international rules that they need to abide by."

Obama reiterated the country's support of South Korea, calling the nation "a cornerstone of U.S. security in the Pacific region."

Watch more of Barbara Walters' interview with the Obamas tonight on "World News With Diane Sawyer" and Friday, Nov. 26 at 10 p.m. ET on "A Barbara Walters Special: A Thanksgiving Visit with President and Mrs. Obama"