Page 54 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation
P. 54
Introduction
The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) longstanding and
broad-based support for North Korea – which includes
financial, economic, energy, food, and political support – is
generally well known. Chinese technological and material
support for North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and
its other military capabilities is similarly public knowledge.
The more important question is:
Why does China protect and support the
North Korean regime?
Ultimately, North Korea – ruled by the Kim family regime –
is of considerable value to China. This value far outweighs
any difficulties and headaches caused by the Kim family’s
mercurial behavior.
As a basic strategic matter, the PRC does not want a country
that is democratic and allied with the United States – and
hosting U.S. forces – on its border. Such would be the case
if the Korean Peninsula was unified under South Korean
control.
This reason alone is enough for China to protect and support
the Kim regime. But there’s much more!
Chapter Three : Beijing Prefers an Aggressive and Provocative North Korea 53
