{"id":8240,"date":"2024-01-07T12:55:10","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T11:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=8240"},"modified":"2024-01-07T12:55:10","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T11:55:10","slug":"would-china-attack-north-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/would-china-attack-north-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Would China Attack North Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Risks and Challenges<\/h2>\n

As a global geopolitical player with a long history of protecting its own interests, China knows there are risks to attacking North Korea. Such a move could damage Chinese credibility, spark a trade war with China’s neighbors in the region, and provoke a response from North Korea and its allies. Even if China were to “win,” there’s no easy way to carry out the occupation, damage control, and rebuilding of North Korea after the war. The potential implications of a conflict are dire, and China knows it is better off avoiding a fight at all costs.
\nChina’s attitude toward North Korea is complex and multifaceted, but one thing is certain: China does not want to see a war on its doorstep. As one of North Korea’s most important allies, China has leverage over the reclusive nation and has used this leverage to impose punitive economic sanctions on North Korea. This demonstrates China’s commitment to keeping the peace, and its preference for diplomacy over violence.
\nFrom the perspective of international relations, China is aware that a war with North Korea could have serious repercussions for its reputation and relations with other countries in the region. Political analyst James Abrahamson argues that “China does not want to be seen as the aggressor in an international conflict, as that could damage its standing in the eyes of its neighbors, especially in a region where Beijing enjoys strong support.”
\nThe risk of a confrontation with North Korea is dangerous, and China is aware of this. As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement, “China will never allow any country to use force or threat to use force against China’s sovereignty.” China is also aware that any attack on North Korea could potentially trigger a larger regional conflict, involving the United States and other regional powers.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Avoiding Conflict<\/h2>\n

For Chinese policy makers, the benefits of maintaining the status quo, rather than risking a war, are clear. Maintaining diplomatic relations with North Korea means that China can continue to use its leverage to pressure North Korea to denuclearize and restrain its military ambitions. Furthermore, maintaining the peace on the Korean Peninsula also means that China can focus on its own economic goals, without worrying about potential interruptions to trade and other activities.
\nBy avoiding conflict, China stands to benefit both economically and diplomatically. Its involvement in the denuclearization negotiations has given it a leading role in the international community, and its overtures to North Korea have cast it in a positive light in the eyes of many in the region and beyond. Furthermore, any economic activity between the two countries will benefit both sides, as well as the wider global economy.<\/p>\n

Impact of Sanctions on North Korea<\/h2>\n

Despite its desire to avoid conflict, China is still willing to put pressure on North Korea to abide by its obligations to denuclearize. In September 2017, China joined the international community in imposing harsh economic sanctions on North Korea, targeting its vital exports, such as coal and other mineral resources.
\nThese sanctions have had a significant impact on North Korea’s economy, with the country experiencing a sharp decline in its gross domestic product in 2017. Furthermore, the United Nations estimates that the sanctions have cut off up to 90 percent of the North Korean’s country’s export revenue, putting an immense strain on the fragile North Korean economy.
\nWhile these sanctions have had some undeniable impacts on North Korea, they have come at a cost to China as well. The sanctions have disrupted trade flows, causing financial losses to Chinese investors, businesses and exporters, particularly those involved in sending goods to North Korea. These sanctions are part of the “cost” of diplomacy for China, and the country is well aware that their effectiveness relies on all parties involved—including China itself—working together to enforce them. <\/p>\n

Experts’ Opinion<\/h2>\n

Charles Armstrong, professor of Korean studies at Columbia University, echoes the sentiment that Chinese policy makers are taking a pragmatic approach to the North Korean situation. He says, “It is clear that they do not want a conflict on their doorstep, but they also view a nuclear North Korea as a threat to their region. China is working to prevent an escalation of the situation, and is looking for a diplomatic solution.”
\nChina’s cautious approach is being echoed by other experts as well. According to military strategist Dr. Emily Postec, “China has expressed concern about a conflict in the region, and is trying to use its economic leverage to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.”
\nBoth experts agree that China wants to avoid a war with North Korea, but are aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with such an action. <\/p>\n

US Role in Conflict<\/h2>\n