China is NOT the key to North Korea

Breaking Down Borders: Korea ^ | July 2, 2009 | Han

[joey703]

So, if China would lose out the most if North Korea developed nuclear weapons and China is not doing too well as the more North Korea backtracks the more China’s lack of power shows (i.e. failure of six party talks, continual and unending foreign aid from Beijing), then does China really have the power to do anything in North Korea?

[Erik Latranyi]

I disagree with the author. China enjoys the headache that North Korea represents for Japan and the US.

China is not threatened by North Korea’s nuclear weapons as I am confident they have helped North Korea develop them.

[SampleMan]

China is not threatened by NK nuclear weapons. However, they would have a collective cow if South Korea or especially Japan started nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. That is the key.

Our problem is that we haven't been willing to call China's/NK’s bluff. If South Korea and Japan were to announce that they were going to build 1000 nuclear warheads and the delivery systems to match, China would go into shock. After allowing China to steam in their own juices for a few weeks, it could then be offered up that a complete regime change in NK and an end to their nuke program would convince SK and Japan not to proceed.

Chinese troops would be sitting in Pyongyang within 90 days.

[Erik Latranyi]

Our problem is that we haven't been willing to call China's/NK’s bluff. If South Korea and Japan were to announce that they were going to build 1000 nuclear warheads and the delivery systems to match, China would go into shock. After allowing China to steam in their own juices for a few weeks, it could then be offered up that a complete regime change in NK and an end to their nuke program would convince SK and Japan not to proceed.

Absolutely spot on!

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Nothing happens in NK without the foreknowledge and tacit approval of the PRC.