China’s relationship with Kim Jong
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is visiting North Korea, has said that the relationship between China and North Korea is unbreakable. For whatever reason they will remain in this relationship. Actually, the relationship between China and North Korea is very old. Both countries consider it more a strategic relationship than friendship. Jinping has made such claims earlier also. His statement is not merely emotional. There are many big reasons behind this.
Why does China need North Korea? What is the main reason behind this relationship? Let us understand in detail point wise.
1. Security shield for China
North Korea is like a security shield for China. China shares its border with North Korea. On the other side of North Korea is South Korea. South Korea is a big ally of America. American soldiers are also present there. If North Korea weakens or its government falls, the threat to China may increase. In such a situation, America’s influence can reach close to China’s border. China does not want this at all. That is why North Korea is a buffer state for China, i.e. a country that stands like a wall between China and America-backed South Korea.
2. Strategy to stop America
Competition between China and America is increasing. This competition extends to trade, technology, military and global influence. In such a situation, North Korea is a useful strategic card for China. North Korea constantly challenges America. He tests missiles. He also pursues the nuclear programme. This keeps America’s focus on the Korean Peninsula. China takes advantage of this situation. He presents himself as a necessary mediator. The world knows that China has influence on North Korea, so whenever tension increases regarding North Korea, America and other countries cannot ignore China’s role.
3. Stability on the border is necessary
China’s biggest concern is the stability of its border. China does not want civil war, political crisis or economic devastation in North Korea. If this happens, millions of people may flee towards the Chinese border. Large number of refugees can become a problem for China. This will increase pressure on China’s internal security and economy. China does not want any kind of instability in its border areas, hence China puts pressure on North Korea and also helps. He wants North Korea to remain under control, but not completely collapse.
4. Unification of Korea is a threat to China
If North Korea and South Korea unite, a new challenge may arise for China. China fears that a unified Korea may remain close to America. In such a situation, American military presence may reach near the Chinese border. This will be a big strategic threat for China. Therefore, he wants to maintain the existing system of North Korea. China feels that divided Korea is in its interest. China wants peace. He does not want such political change that would strengthen America.
5. Old wars and historical connections
The roots of the relationship between China and North Korea go back to the Korean War. China supported North Korea in the 1950s. China had sent its soldiers. This war brought both the countries closer. North Korea still considers China as its historical ally. China also remembers this relationship. The communist ideology of both the countries also kept them together for a long time. However, today China has changed a lot. Its economy has become market based. Still, the ideological and historical connection with North Korea has not completely ended.
6. Economic interests are also involved
North Korea’s economy is very weak. It is dependent on China for many things. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner. North Korea gets fuel, food and many essential goods from China. This economic relationship is not very big for China, but it is strategically important. China maintains influence over North Korea due to economic dependence. If North Korea leans towards other countries, China’s hold may weaken.
7. Balance on the nuclear issue
North Korea’s nuclear program is a double-edged sword for China. On one hand, China does not want nuclear tension to increase in the region. This may create danger of war. On the other hand, China also does not want that there should be so much pressure on North Korea that its government falls. Therefore, China often adopts a balanced policy. He sometimes supports sanctions at the United Nations, but he avoids completely isolating North Korea.
8. Instrument of diplomatic pressure
North Korea is also a diplomatic tool for China. When America puts pressure on China, China can use the issue of North Korea. China can say that its role is necessary for regional peace. This gives importance to China on the global stage. China tries to show itself as a responsible power. Because of North Korea, China gets additional strength in negotiations with America, South Korea and Japan.
9. Keep an eye on Japan and South Korea
China wants to increase its power in East Asia. Japan and South Korea are close allies of America. Both countries are cautious about China’s growing power. North Korea keeps changing the balance of power in the region. When North Korea conducts missile tests, Japan and South Korea become worried. America also becomes active. China watches this entire game carefully. He does not want America’s allies to become too strong in the region. The presence of North Korea gives China a role in this balance.
10. Russia and the new global politics
Today new alliances are being formed in the world. China and Russia are challenging America’s influence. North Korea also takes an anti-American stance. Because of this it can be useful for both China and Russia. Relations between North Korea and Russia have also strengthened in recent years. China keeps an eye on this. China does not want North Korea to completely go towards Russia. Therefore China wants to keep its relationship strong. Xi Jinping’s message of unbreakable relationship can be considered a part of this strategy.
11. How much does China love North Korea?
China considers North Korea as a friend, but this friendship is not entirely emotional. It is based on needs. China is not happy with every action of North Korea. Nuclear tests especially create problems for China. Still, China cannot abandon North Korea. For China, North Korea’s weakening, disintegration or falling under the influence of America is a bigger threat. Therefore China’s policy is clear. It will support North Korea, but does not want to allow it to become completely independent and create trouble in the region.
