Korean peninsula in China's grand strategy : China's role in dealing with North Korea's nuclear quandary

Abstract

The unprecedented rise of China raises difficult challenges of double-edged

nature to both China and its neighbours in Northeast Asia. The nuclear program of North Korea is an outstanding example. The reform and open policy China has adopted since the late 80s mandated the Beijing government

to adopt a policy of active engagement with its former adversaries, straining its ties with the former allies like North Korea. Pyongyang’s persistent efforts

for a nuclear option may represent a hedging strategy against the changing

security environment, but for China, it creates multiple predicaments including the management of its relations with the US, Japan and South Korea. The

proactive role China has been playing in the process of the multi-lateral

negotiation for a peaceful resolution of the nuclear quandary, particularly the

Six-Party Talks, is an interesting case with important lessons to learn. This working paper argues that China’s increasingly active role in the multi-lateral efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue has proceeded in tandem with its grand strategy of engaging in regional and global governance as a

responsible stakeholder. Also, by examining the problems China confronted in

the process, the paper intends to demonstrate the limitations in China’s role to

promote stable security environment in the region.