Publication

This paper examines China’s policies towards North and South Korea, which are largely shaped by Pyongyang’s nuclear strategy and China’s economic and political interests in Northeast Asia. The paper’s author specifically argues that Beijing’s primary objectives vis-à-vis both Koreas are to 1) guarantee stability in their region; 2) reduce US involvement in Korean affairs; and 3) maintain peace on the Korean peninsula. Given these objectives, China has adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach towards North Korea, while also promoting free trade with the ROK.