Relationship Between China & North Korea
China remains North Korea’s biggest ally and has been the primary benefactor to the North since the peninsula has been split. North Korea remains a primarily isolated country, turning to China for diplomatic and economic support. China has consistently maintained a mutual relationship of respect and understanding between the two countries, while also sending a message that they would prefer North Korea to focus on economic, rather than military progress.
China has largely been one of the few countries who, over numerous administrations and varying degrees of separation, has provided North Korea with the aid and comfort it needs to sustain its economy. Even in the face of international sanctions, China and North Korea have maintained their economic ties. China provides the majority of North Korea’s food and fuel, which keeps the country from descending into widespread poverty. In terms of the actual physical interaction between China and North Korea, high-level meetings between top leaders from both countries are a regular occurrence.
Effect of North Korea On China
The primary benefit for China is that North Korea serves as a strategic buffer against the United States. With North Korea as a buffer, the US’s influence on the Chinese mainland is significantly weakened. Additionally, North Korea provides the Chinese with access to a range of military machines and musical acts for potential espionage and surveillance operations. This provides China with a valuable asset that could be used against the US in times of conflict.
The relationship between the two countries also serves to strengthen China’s economy. With its natural resources, China has sought to increase its economic ties with North Korea by investing in a number of infrastructure projects. This has resulted in increased trade between the two countries, which boosts China’s economy while simultaneously helping North Korea with its economic woes.
Reaction Of China On North Korea’s Missile Testing
China’s relationship with North Korea is strained more often than not. China has consistently asked North Korea to halt its nuclear weapons program, but the country has been largely resistant to this pleas. When North Korea test launches a missile, China consistently condemns the action, and calls for peace instead of further militarization.
China has largely condemned North Korea’s growing nuclear ambitions and desires to come to a resolution without taking military action. Over the years, North Korea has tested a number of ballistic missiles, most of which have been intermediate-range weapons. Chinese officials have stated that they support the de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and have asked North Korea to return to the negotiating table to discuss a peaceful resolution to the tension in the region.
North Korea’s Relations With Other Nations In The Region
North Korea’s relationship with other nations in the region has been almost nonexistent. In fact, most of the countries in the region have created a form of united front against North Korea. South Korea has been particularly vocal in its opposition to the North Korean regime, culminating in its decision to deploy the US-created THAAD missile defense system on its soil.
Other nations in the region, such as Japan, have also expressed deep concern about North Korea’s increasing military activities and its willingness to defy international norms. In many respects, China stands in stark contrast to the rest of the region; while China worries that North Korea may take the wrong path, it remains far more willing to engage in dialogue and seek a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis.
China’s Role In Negotiations
Central to any resolution of the North Korean issue lies in China’s role in the negotiations. China has emerged as a key mediator between North Korea and the rest of the world and has held several meetings with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un. China has even gone as far as proposing a roadmap for peace, which would involve freezing all North Korean missile tests.
China has been consistent in their desire to see North Korea abandon their nuclear ambitions and instead pursue economic development and better relations with the world community. To this end, China has been the primary source of aid for North Korea, providing the regime with much-needed food and fuel. While the Chinese government has urged North Korea to give up its weapons, it has also sought to use positive incentives, such as trade deals and investments, to pressure the regime into compliance.
China’s Stance On Human Rights In North Korea
Another area where China has been at odds with North Korea is in regards to human rights. As one of the few countries still willing to work with North Korea on the issue, China has been criticized for its stance on human rights and its unwillingness to hold the North Korean government accountable for the treatment of its people.
It has been the opinion of many that China’s approach has been too passive, opting to make limited criticisms of North Korea’s human rights violations while refusing to make any substantive changes. Despite its claims that it wants to see North Korea adhere to international norms and standards, China has been unwilling to take any sort of strong stance on the issue, instead choosing to remain in the shadows and avoid making any real criticisms of North Korean policy.
China’s Influence On North Korea’s Foreign Policy
China’s influence on North Korea’s foreign policy is also evident. As North Korea’s biggest ally and trading partner, China is in a unique position to influence North Korea’s dealings with the rest of the world. China has been a key advisor and facilitator in the high-level meetings between North Korea and the US, helping to bring the parties closer to a resolution.
What might be most concerning for the US, however, is the growing military ties between China and North Korea. Reports have emerged that the Chinese military has sold a range of military gear to North Korea in an apparent effort to bolster their military capabilities. This has led some to worry that China may be attempting to use North Korea as a proxy against the US in the event of a conflict.
China’s Involvement In International Sanctions On North Korea
Finally, China is also involved in the international sanctions against North Korea. China is one of the five countries that is part of the United Nations Security Council Permanent Five. While China has agreed to some of the sanctions, it has been reluctant to impose some of the more stringent measures that the US and other countries have wanted.
Instead, China has sought to use the power of economic incentives to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table and toward a resolution. China’s position is that pressure and sanctions alone will not solve the problem, and that instead it is necessary to provide North Korea with a positive incentive to convince the country to engage in dialogue.
China’s Desired Outcome For North Korea
Ultimately, China’s desired outcome for North Korea is peace and stability. China has recognized that any military action against North Korea could cause serious regional instability, and could have a devastating economic and human cost. Despite the tensions, China has consistently maintained its commitment to the Six-Party Talks and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
While the Chinese government may not agree with the military tactics of North Korea, it appears to be content with recognizing North Korea as a legitimate state, and to engage in diplomacy instead of escalating the conflict. China’s stance appears to be that, despite the differences between North Korea and the rest of the world, it is possible to achieve a peaceful solution by engaging in dialogue and recognizing each other’s legitimate interests.
