Economic Factors
China is North Korea’s most important economic partner and in recent years has become even more important for Pyongyang. According to a report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, trade between the two countries has grown from $1.24 billion in 2000 to nearly $6.86 billion in 2017. China is the main supplier of food, energy and machines to North Korea. North Korean labor is also important for Chinese factories, as North Korean workers provide a non-union labor at reasonable prices. Chinese support is crucial for North Korea as it helps sustain a precarious economy, providing much-needed food, oil and other commodities to Pyongyang.
China’s support for North Korea is not limited to economic activity. Beijing has helped prevent tough economic sanctions proposed by the United Nations Security Council. China’s vetoing power has often helped prevent or loosen sanctions on North Korea. This has enabled North Korea to continue its nuclear program. Beijing has strategically supported its ally. Moreover, China is concerned that economic sanctions could lead to political instability in the region and could potentially result in an influx of refugees into its borders.
Geopolitical Factors
China views North Korea as an important geopolitical buffer zone and an essential element in maintaining regional stability. With the US and its allies stationed along the Korean peninsula, Beijing perceives North Korea as an effective buffer between itself and a potentially hostile foreign military presence. China also views North Korea as a valuable leverage against the US. Beijing believes Pyongyang can be used to contain the spread of pro-US sentiment in the region and to manipulate regional dynamics to its advantage.
Another key reason for China’s support of North Korea is the latter’s importance as a strategic partner in the region. North Korea’s strategic location and its security arrangements with China make it an invaluable partner for Beijing in the region. North Korea provides a supply gateway for Chinese goods to markets in South Korea and further abroad. With China facing friction from US and its allies in the region, it is important for Beijing to maintain strong relations with its ally and use it as an effective strategic tool.
Ideological Factors
Despite the possibility of political or economic instability in the region, China remains firm in its support for North Korea. One reason for this loyalty is the ideological connection between the two states. Both countries view themselves as unique and independent nations that are in opposition to Western imperial powers.
Additionally, North Korea is seen as a secure ally to Beijing. As North Korea is run by a single-party state, it is led by a highly centralized leadership with significant influence on the country’s policy decisions. As a result, the government is less likely to act in a way that could be perceived as hostile by China.
The two nations also share a long-standing historical and cultural relationship. China and North Korea both trace their history back to the ancient Korean kingdom and consider themselves to be part of the same cultural heritage. As such, China views North Korea as an extension of its own nation and is committed to protecting its interests on the Korean peninsula.
Security Factor
China is concerned with the security of North Korea from the perspective of preventing a destabilizing power from gaining too much influence in the region. North Korea’s nuclear program has been a major threat to the stability of the region and has kept South Korea and Japan occupied for many years.
As China is opposed to US hegemony, it would rather see a balance of power between the two countries. Chinese leaders view North Korea as a way to contain US influence in the region by maintaining nuclear weapons and deterring US military power.
In addition to this, China is also worried about North Korea’s potential to become a base for US forces and military operations. As a result, China has continually opposed US involvement in the region.
Cultural Ties
The Chines and North Koreans have a long history of cultural exchange. North Korea has received significant economic aid from China since the end of the Korean War. This aid has been in the form of infrastructure projects and economic investments to support the North Korean economy.
Moreover, since the end of the Cold War, China has extended its influence in the realm of popular culture into North Korea. Beijing has encouraged its own movie and television productions to be broadcast in North Korea, expounding on the common values held by the two countries.
Moreover, North Korea has sought to effectively use Chinese culture to its own advantage, seeking to expand its own cultural reach by broadcasting its own television and films in China.
Cultural ties between the two countries have been strengthened by North Korea’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This has facilitated further economic cooperation, allowing the two nations to explore opportunities in areas such as infrastructure, energy and education.
Military Assistance
China has provided North Korea with military aid since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. China has regularly provided North Korea with military equipment, technology, and know-how, which have been crucial to maintaining North Korea’s military capabilities.
In addition to this, China has also provided North Korea with economic and diplomatic assistance in times of political and economic pressure. Chinese financial and diplomatic support have enabled North Korea to better manage international insecurity.
Moreover, Chinese investments in North Korean military infrastructure have played an important role in bolstering North Korea’s defense capabilities. This includes investments in North Korean ports and airports, which allow for the wider deployment of North Korean military forces.
Chinese military support has been crucial for North Korea in times of danger or conflict. China’s support has enabled North Korea to achieve greater security, enabling it to address security threats posed to it by its adversaries.
Strategic Purpose
China views North Korea as an important strategic asset in the region. Beijing uses this relationship as leverage against the US and its own neighbors, in order to maintain the balance of power in the region. By supporting Pyongyang, Beijing hopes to limit US influence in the region, while at the same time attempting to gain economic and political concessions from the US in bilateral talks.
China’s long-term strategy is to establish a strong, unified state in East Asia, which will be led by Beijing. To this end, China supports North Korea as a way of counterbalancing the US and its allies, who are viewed as obstacles to Chinese control of the region.
Ultimately, Chinese backing for North Korea has served a number of purposes for Beijing, from bolstering regional stability and containing US influence, to promoting economic ties and developing the country’s cultural reach. In this way, China’s support for North Korea has been a crucial factor in maintaining the stability of the region, and has allowed North Korea to continue pursuing its ambitious nuclear and economic goals.
