Page 36 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation

In short, North Korea’s nuclear development started to both
prevent abandonment by China and block China’s growing
influence, ultimately becoming a significant burden for China.
Then, is North Korea’s nuclear capability still a burden for
China? Will North Korea continue to pressure China using
nuclear weapons as leverage? Will China inevitably embrace
North Korea? What role will a nuclear-armed North Korea
play in the U.S.-China competition? What synergy will
North Korea provide to China, which is engaging in an arms
race with the United States? Ultimately, what risks will both
countries pose to the Northeast Asian region?

The Evolution of North Korea-China Relations amid

U.S.-China Competition

The United States is currently pressuring China on multiple
fronts, including U.S.-China trade conflicts, freedom of
navigation, sharing values of liberal democracy, forming
multilateral alignments including AUKUS, and human
rights issues in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. From
China’s perspective, U.S. proactive moves are not entirely
disadvantageous. Stressing the threat from the U.S. and the
Taiwan crisis internally solidifies the Xi Jinping regime and
provides justification for strengthening its camp externally.
China is strengthening cooperation and closeness with other
15
nations, including Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea.

15 Michael D. Swaine, “Chinese Views and Commentary on Periphery Diplomacy,” China Leadership Monitor,

No.44 (Summer 2014).

Chapter Two : North Korea’s Nuclear Threat and China’s Backing for North Korea 35