I.Economic Reasons
There are several potential reasons why China is helping North Korea. The first is economic. China is a major investor and trading partner in the Korean peninsula, with a large stake in the region’s stability. It has an interest in preventing North Korea from becoming economically isolated and encouraging its economic growth. This is evident from the fact that China is the largest provider of economic aid to North Korea, having provided nearly 2 billion dollars in economic aid in 2017 alone.
At the same time, it is important to remember that China is not without its own economic motivations for assisting North Korea. For example, the Chinese government has invested heavily in infrastructure in the country, such as utilities, railways and highways. In doing so, China has a vested interest in making sure North Korea remains economically viable and is in a strong position to cooperate with China on trade agreements.
II.Strategic Reasons
The second reason why China is helping North Korea is strategic. On the one hand, the Chinese government wants to ensure that North Korea remains in its sphere of influence and does not lean towards the West. This is especially important given the recent tensions between China and the United States, as North Korea remains a contentious issue between the two nations. Moreover, China is likely motivated by the desire to contain North Korea’s nuclear development program, particularly in light of the fact that the United States has recently implemented more sanctions on the country.
At the same time, the Chinese government is likely attempting to keep North Korea from becoming too powerful. By providing aid and investments to the country, Beijing is able to influence or mitigate certain aspects of North Korean policy, such as its nuclear program. Furthermore, by helping North Korea stay economically viable, China is able to limit the influence of nations such as the United States, who may be more inclined to pressure North Korea through economic sanctions.
III. Humanitarian Concern
The third potential reason why China is helping North Korea is humanitarian in nature. North Korea remains one of the poorest countries in the world, and despite much of its economic aid being diverted to support the regime’s repressive policies, China is likely motivated by a desire to alleviate the suffering of the North Korean people. Additionally, China is likely motivated by a desire to protect its own citizens who are currently living in North Korea.
IV. Political Reasons
Finally, the Chinese government is likely motivated by political considerations. For example, North Korea remains a key regional ally of China and a buffer between the Chinese mainland and United States allies such as South Korea and Japan. As such, it is in China’s interest to make sure that North Korea remains economically viable, particularly given the fact that the United States has recently implemented more sanctions on the country. Additionally, by helping North Korea stay economically viable, China can limit the influence of nations such as the United States, who may be more inclined to pressure North Korea through economic sanctions.
V. International Public Relations
The fifth potential reason why China is helping North Korea is its international public relations. By offering assistance and investing in North Korea, China is able to present itself as a benevolent and responsible global power. This can help the Chinese government’s image abroad, particularly among poorer countries which may be more likely to look favorably upon Chinese foreign policy. In addition, this can also help to give China more “soft power”, as other countries may be more willing to cooperate with China if they view it as an important player in global politics.
VI. Geopolitical Posturing
The sixth potential reason why China is helping North Korea is political posturing. By providing aid and investments to the country, Beijing is able to project its influence in the region and counterbalance the influence of nations such as the United States. Furthermore, by assisting North Korea, Chinese leaders are able to demonstrate their ability to manage a difficult diplomatic situation and act as a mediator in the region.
VII. Regional Security
The seventh potential reason why China is helping North Korea is regional security. As one of the few countries in the region that has managed to maintain a good relationship with both North Korea and the United States, China is in a unique position to influence the diplomatic situation. By investing in North Korea and offering aid, China is able to demonstrate its commitment to regional security, as well as its willingness to open the door to potential negotiations between the two countries. Additionally, by helping North Korea stay economically viable, China can limit the influence of nations such as the United States, who may be more inclined to pressure North Korea through economic sanctions.
