Page 69 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation

official name––the Republic of Korea––and announced that
it would not pursue unification. Kim’s message was defensive
overall. However, Kim also made some remarks that could
be construed as suggestions to raise tensions on the Korean
Peninsula.

What do those seemingly contradictory messages suggest?
My answer is that North Korea is becoming strategically
defensive and tactically offensive. It seems that Kim Jong-Un
is attempting to enhance the chance of his regime’s survival by
consolidating the division of the Korean Peninsula. However,
that does not mean that the country will not take offensive
actions. A mouse might roar when it is cornered.

Linkage between Security on the Korean Peninsula and
across the Taiwan Strait

One of the most important reasons for China to allow North
Korea to strengthen its military capabilities is a growing
linkage between security on the Korean Peninsula and security
across the Taiwan Strait. Since the United States and Japan
are committed to the defense of South Korea and Taiwan
simultaneously, the security environment on the Korean
Peninsula will affect the security environment across the
Taiwan Strait and vice versa. North Korea’s improved nuclear
and missile capabilities will force the United States and Japan
to divert more of their anti-submarine warfare and air and
missile defense assets away from the Taiwan Strait, making
it easier for China to exert its power and influence vis-à-vis
Taiwan.

68 Section I : North Korea-China Relations: How and Why Does Beijing Protect and Empower Pyongyang?