McCain said the most important thing is for China to get more involved and do what is in China's interest, which he said was not to have "a nuclear-armed, aggressive Korea" next door. He also warned that North Korea's nuclear ambitions might propel Japan or other countries to arm themselves similarly, which China might also seek to prevent for its own interests. He also said that while China's relations with North Korea is a vital element of its relations with the U.S., it is also in Beijing's self-interest to wield their influence. "We're not asking for an act of charity," he said. "They control their economy. They control a whole lot of things. Really they're the only nation that has influence."