The current US administration had made it clear right from the beginning that North Korea’s provocations will not be taken lightly or shown any leniency.
US has already begun the deployment of THAAD defense system in South Korea which along with the sanctions would probably go a long way in deterring North Korea.
According to news reports, there are total 11 Malaysians residing in North Korea including four embassy staff and their family members and two representatives from the United Nations.
China is getting frustrated with North Korea’s attitude and the destabilizing economic problems. The biggest source of China’s displeasure however is North Korea’s nuclear program.