Page 84 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation

three countries is enhanced and superior to single stand-alone
15
systems. By preventing integrated missile defense China
supports North Korea and ensures a weaker defense system
should China decide to engage in direct military confrontation
with the three allies. China is hedging its bets and is preparing
for the possibility of eventual conflict.

The third “No” is no trilateral alliance among South Korea,
Japan, and the United States. This is one of the things
China likely fears the most. The combined military power is
likely superior to Chinese military power. Although China
downplays alliances it likely envies the U.S. system. Perhaps it
is because China has only one ally, North Korea.

To summarize so far, China has two sets of “Three No’s,” one
focused on the North and one on the South. It desires to
maintain the status quo with a viable North Korea to serve as
a buffer. It exploits the North’s nuclear capabilities to create
dilemmas for the U.S. However, it is preparing for the long
term and that may include a united Korea. It does not want
to absorb North Korea but instead would likely allow South
Korea to bear the full burden. China seeks a weakened Korea
so that it may dominate the Peninsula economically and
diplomatically. And it is focused on one overarching goal:
to drive U.S. troops off the Asian landmass so that it may
dominate Northeast Asia.

15 Choi Kang, “An Integrated ROK-U.S.-Japan Missile Defense System Must Be Established,” The Asan Institute
for Policy Studies, August 29, 2023, https://en.asaninst.org/contents/an-integrated-rok-u-s-japan-missile-
defense-system-must-be-established/

Chapter Five : “Three No’s” Times Two: China’s North and South Korea Policy 83