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China's 'two Koreas' policy : achievements and contradictions

journal contribution
posted on 2010-12-01, 00:00 authored by David HundtDavid Hundt
China has long maintained a keen interest in events on the Korean peninsula, which Beijing considers to fall within the Sinic sphere of interest. The PRC has maintained a decades-long alliance with North Korea, and also achieved a rapprochement with South Korea, with whom China enjoys a burgeoning economic relationship. The PRC’s pursuit of a ‘two Koreas’ policy has tested Beijing’s diplomatic mettle during the past decade. In and of itself, the maintenance of strong ties to both Koreas represents a significant achievement. By reviewing recent developments in Chinese diplomacy towards the peninsula, this article highlights both the achievements and contradictions inherent in Beijing’s two-Korea policy. North Korea has risked China’s wrath by pursuing a nuclear deterrent, and by refusing to enact market reforms. In the case of the South, the government of Lee Myung-bak has strengthened its alliance with the U.S. and also sought to compensate for its growing economic interdependence with China by seeking FTAs with other states, including the U.S. The sinking of the Cheonan in March 2010 presents an opportunity to reflect on China’s efforts to balance its ties with both Koreas.

History

Journal

Political science

Volume

62

Issue

2

Season

December

Pagination

132 - 145

Publisher

Sage Publications

Location

London, England

ISSN

0032-3187

eISSN

2041-0611

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2010, The Author(s)

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