As tensions between North Korea and the United States escalate, it is worth pondering why China never invades North Korea. Despite being its closest ally, China has always abstained from any kind of intervention in North Korean disputes. This lack of action is perplexing given that China is the only country in the world with the capabilities to do so. To better understand why China has not intervened in North Korean disputes, it is important to understand the history, current political climate and perspectives of experts in the matter.
Historically, China has had an binding relationship with North Korea since their establishment in 1948. In the Korean War, China intervened to support North Korea against South Korea and the United States. Ever since the establishment of communism, the two countries have fostered close political and economic ties. China has supplied North Korea with food and energy, a gesture which has helped North Korea remain economically stable. Consequently, North Korea has been able to sustain itself and fend off international sanctions and maintains its political autonomy.
Current day politics also plays a role in China’s reluctance to intervene. North Korea providing nuclear capabilities and long range missile, China worries about potential consequence of a US military attack on North Korea. Beijing does not want to see the United states dominate or gain control of a unified Korea. According to the Council on Foreign Relations “China is loath to accept a military conflict on its doorstep, either a full-fledged war, or even some kind of air strike against North Korea. Moreover, Beijing is fearful that regime change in North Korea could reignite old rivalries and spur a exodus of refugees across its border.”
Experts have mixed opinions on the matter. Studies suggest that China does not want to see a unified Korea as it wishes to maintain US presence in the region. Stephen Noerper, a Senior Director of the Korea Society believes that China wishes to see the status quo maintained. He says, “China seeks stability in North Korea and does not wish to destabilize the region by pursuing regime change. China has accepted the need to restrain the North’s nuclear ambitions through sanctions and is prepared to live with an inherently unstable regime in Pyongyang. All of this means that the status quo is acceptable to China.”
However, other experts suggest that China’s decision is largely rooted in dependence on North Korean labor and removing an important bargaining chip in political rivalries. According to Valery Garbuzov, former director of the Institute of the United States and Canada of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
“China is interested in maintaining the current balance of power in the region, as North Korea is an effective tool for containing the United States and its regional allies, and is also providing the Chinese with cheap labor.”
It is indisputable that China is greatly affected by the North Korean crisis and has worked to diplomatically and economically restrain the country. Despite having the power to intervene in North Korean affairs, China has chosen to abstain from doing so as it benefits from the North Korean regime’s existence in many ways. China’s interests in the region seems rooted in long-term stability, territorial integrity and its relationships with countries like the United States.
Geopolitical Interests
Different countries in the region have been strongly affected by the current state of affairs. As mentioned before, China is apprehensive of US domination in the Korean peninsula, something that could potentially lead to a armed conflict and threaten China’s global ambitions. As one of its most important goals, China aspires to have a strong international presence and its own “sphere of influence.” Because of this, countries in the region such as Japan and Taiwan could pose a great challenge in regards to creating a greater Chinese presence in the world. In addition, China’s relationship with the United States has deteriorated in recent years over issues such as trade and US-led interventions in the South China Sea. In this context, the North Korean crisis provides a useful geopolitical bargaining chip which China can use to contain US dominance in the peninsula.
Economic Security
It is not only political security that motivates China to abstain from interfering but also economic security. China has utilized North Korea for its cheap labor needs to fuel its enormous economic growth. North Koreans are one of the primary sources of unskilled labor in the region and can be found in large parts of China doing manual labor. In addition to this, China is heavily invested in North Korea’s economy and has built numerous infrastructure projects such as the economic cities, ports and highways. China has heavily invested in its relationship with North Korea and is looking to reap the benefits in the future when these projects will be completed.
Cultural Exchange
There is also a great amount of cultural exchange between the two countries. North Korea’s most prestigious school of medicine, Kim Il Sung University, was funded and is still operated by China. This has not only benefited North Korean students who have been able to gain valuable knowledge from the Chinese faculty, but it has also allowed Chinese doctors to gain experience and expertise from North Korean doctors. Furthermore, North Korea’s successful pop culture is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and the two countries are often featured in each other’s television and movie productions.
Humanitarian Aid
Finally, it must be noted that China also provides North Korea with generous amounts of humanitarian aid. Despite the sanctions imposed by the US, China has continued to provide North Korea with food, fuel, and other necessities. China is also the main provider of medical goods to the country and provides much needed aid to its citizens. While the sanctions may hinder other countries, China has continued to help in finding ways to alleviate the economic burden on North Korea.
Overall, it is clear that China’s reasons for not invading North Korea are varied and complex. Geopolitical interests, economic security, cultural exchange and humanitarian aid are all strong motivators for China to abstain from taking more extreme measures in the Korean peninsula. Whether this non-interventionist policy is beneficial or detrimental to the world will remain to be seen. Either way, it is undeniable that China’s relationship with North Korea has a major impact on global politics and will continue to be an issue for years to come.
