China says it can't end North Korea nuke program on its own

China responded Monday to calls that it needs to do more to rein in North Korea’s nuclear program by saying that American officials were truly to blame for inciting conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

The detection Friday of North Korea’s fifth nuclear test brought new pressure on China, Pyongyang’s economic lifeline and the closest thing it has to a political ally. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said China had an “important responsibility” in North Korea.

But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters Monday that Carter was “being too modest.” She cited a Chinese saying — “Whoever started the trouble should end it” — in calling on the U.S. to “take on its due responsibility.”

“I think the U.S. should go over the process of the development of the nuclear issue and earnestly work on a tangible and effective resolution,” Hua said.