China would have to pay a higher political cost at home if it continues to resist calls to put enough pressure on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program, a newspaper published by China's ruling Communist Party warned on Monday.

China, North Korea's diplomatic and economic lifeline, has been reluctant to put crippling economic sanctions on the isolated ally, despite the North's fourth nuclear test and launch of a long-range rocket.

In an editorial, the state-run Global Times newspaper said China's leadership has been under pressure as "a growing number of Chinese, both elites and the general public, deem North Korea is China's burden and an annoying neighbor instead of an old friend."

"Changes in public opinion are altering the external environment of China's policy on North Korea and can be converted into pressure that pushes the Chinese government to ramp up sanctions against Pyongyang," the editorial reads. "The more China's policy in this regard departs from public opinion, the more political cost China has to pay."

South Korea and the U.S. are set to begin formal talks this week to deploy an advanced American missile defense system in South Korea to better protect Seoul from Pyongyang's growing threats of its nuclear and missile programs.

Reactions by Chinese officials, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, to the possible deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery in South Korea were stronger than their criticism against North Korea's rocket launch.

While the Chinese newspaper voiced concerns over North Korea, it issued a warning against the strengthening military alliance between South Korea and the U.S.

"Washington wants to pull Seoul to its side and intensify the military pressure on China. China needs to stay alert and flexible and safeguard its bottom line," it said.

Analysts say China's leadership is reluctant to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea because a sudden collapse of the regime could spark a refugee crisis at its border and lead to a pro-U.S., democratic Korea on its doorstep. (Yonhap)