Background Information
China is a long-standing ally of North Korea. After the 1950-53 Korean War, Chinese forces remained in the North to support the Kim dynasty. Trade between the two countries has remained strong throughout the decades, and there is a sense of camaraderie and shared goals. It is often said that China “owns” North Korea, and this close relationship has provided North Korea with economic and military support.
Economic Benefits
China sees North Korea as an important economic partner. North Korea’s proximity to China makes it a convenient location to access natural resources, such as minerals and timber which can be shipped back to China. Additionally, the North Korean economy provides a low wage workforce, which allows Chinese companies to sub-contract labor-intensive work to North Korean businesses. This means that Chinese businesses can benefit from lower overheads while still making a profit.
Geopolitical Interests
North Korea also provides China access to the Sea of Japan, as well as a strategic buffer between China and its more democratic neighbor, South Korea. China does not want to see a unified Korea that is aligned with the United States. As a result, it is keen to maintain the status quo and prevent the country from unifying with South Korea.
Military Support
China has provided military assistance to North Korea since the Korean War, and the two countries have traditionally enjoyed close military ties. China has provided North Korea with assistance in the form of weapons and equipment, and has been willing to come to its assistance in the event of a conflict with the United States or South Korea. This military assistance has enabled North Korea to maintain its independence and has emboldened its leaders.
The Human Rights Issues
The Chinese government has been criticized for its support of the North Korean regime and its lack of regard for human rights. The Chinese government has been accused of turning a blind eye to the oppression of the North Korean people, and there is strong evidence to show that the two countries do not share the same values when it comes to human rights.
The Strategic Relationship
Although China and North Korea are very different countries, there is still a sense of unity and shared interests. China sees North Korea as an important ally, and it is willing to overlook some of the more unsavory aspects of the regime in order to protect its interests. North Korea is an important buffer state, and its continued independence helps to ensure stability in the region.
The Political Agenda
It can be argued that China’s support of North Korea is driven by politics rather than shared values. China sees the North Korean regime as a useful tool to maintain its influence in the region, and it is willing to overlook human rights issues in exchange for this influence.
Trade Sanctions
The United Nations has imposed trade sanctions on North Korea in an effort to pressure the Kim regime to end its nuclear weapons program. China has been accused of ignoring these sanctions and in some cases, of actively helping North Korea circumvent them. This has resulted in increased scrutiny of China’s relationship with North Korea and it has been suggested that the Chinese government is helping North Korea to maintain its nuclear capabilities.
The US Response
The United States has responded to China’s support of North Korea by placing economic sanctions on Chinese companies that are doing business with North Korea. While these sanctions are unlikely to have a lasting impact, they have put pressure on the Chinese government to reign in its support of the North Korean regime.
The Potential Impact
Despite international condemnation and economic sanctions, China is unlikely to end its support of North Korea in the near future. China continues to see North Korea as an important ally and a buffer state, and it is not willing to let North Korea be absorbed by South Korea or become an ally of the United States. China’s support of North Korea is unlikely to change in the short term, and this has the potential to destabilize the region and create further tension between the United States and China.
Chinese Investments
China has invested heavily in North Korea in recent years, in an effort to encourage economic growth and reduce poverty. This investment has been met with some success, with North Korea’s GDP experiencing a modest growth in recent years. Although it is unlikely to result in dramatic improvements, the investment has helped the North Korean economy to become more self-reliant and resilient.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, it is clear that China’s support of North Korea is driven by a combination of economic and geopolitical interests. China is unlikely to end its support of North Korea anytime soon, as it sees North Korea as an important buffer state and a convenient source of natural resources. This has the potential to destabilize the region, and create further tension between China and the United States.
