Page 30 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation

This chapter addresses the following three questions:

• What characteristic historical elements define the
relationship between North Korea and China? How has
China’s view of North Korea as a strategic burden changed?

• What strategic interests do China and North Korea
currently have in common? In particular, what strategic
considerations does China have when it comes to defending
North Korea, and what are the risks posed by both?

• What steps should we take to stop North Korea from
exaggerating its nuclear power and provoking conflicts while
depending on China’s cooperation? How will the United
States, South Korea, and Japan work together to prevent the
strategic integration of China and North Korea?

The Ambivalent North Korea-China Relationship

Historically, the anti-U.S. alliance that emerged during the
Korean War contributed to establishing a solid bond between
North Korea and China. Chinese military assistance allowed
North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung to preserve his dictatorship
regime when it was facing total defeat. However, despite this,
North Korea has persistently tried to thwart China’s growing
influence in its domestic politics. Particularly following the
1956 purge of the Yan’an faction, Kim Il-Sung placed the
foundations for his unique dictatorship regime and chose to
withdraw Chinese troops stationed in North Korea despite
security concerns.

Chapter Two : North Korea’s Nuclear Threat and China’s Backing for North Korea 29