INTRODUCTION
International relations are of great importance, as they allow countries to protect and further their economic and strategic interests. It is true that the emphasis, on diplomatic relations, has drastically increased after World War 2; however, even in the imperial age, diplomatic relations have had great relevance. Empires maintained relations through treaties, which aided them in meeting economic objectives and balance of power in the region. For instance, the Ottomans were an ally of France and this alliance was called Franco-Ottoman Alliance. This alliance facilitated both imperial powers to maintain the balance of power in the region and kept the Anglo-Saxon Empire under check.
In South Asia, Mughals of India were allies of Khanates, which was devised to ensure that North-Western frontiers of India remained quiet. This permitted Mughal Empire to fully establish their authority in Mughal India.
China and North Korea’s relationship evolved as it gave countries, instruments, and opportunities to maintain the balance of power in the region. The emergence, of South Korea, was a concern for China, as it fully backed, financially and militarily, by the United States of America. The Chinese communist leadership considered South Korea a threat to the model it devised and believed that it could be used an instrument to dismantle China’s communist model. Therefore, it was essential to keep diplomatic relations with North Korea. For North Korea, China was an ally, which could provide aid against a more equipped neighbor, which could bring about undesired changes. However, over the period, there have been many watersheds in this relationship, which have given direction to the evolution of this relationship (Jiechi).
HISTORY OF RELATIONSHIP
From the systematic study, of recent history regarding the diplomatic relationship between North Korea and China, we learn that both countries exchanged diplomatic recognition in the year 1949. The founding father, of North Korea, Kim II-sung secretly visited China, in the year 1950, which gave the foundation to this-this long and unique relationship between the two countries. As leadership, in both countries, was a communist; therefore, it was natural that both had a lot in common and they understood the perspectives.
In fact, Kim II-sung shared his military plans with the top Chinese leadership, and we witnessed that Chinese troops entered the war theatre, when North Korean Army sustained serious setbacks during the war. Also, China gave refuge to many North Koreans, who fled to North Korea to avoid war. Furthermore, the Eastern Bloc, of which was the member, gave financial assistance to North Korea, along with the Soviet Union. This aids in understanding the nature and scale of relationship, which these countries were able to forge after World War II. Therefore, in the year 1961both countries singed Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty. By the spirit of this treaty, China had to provide and military and other assistance, if ever North Korea was attacked by another country. It reflects that both countries desired strong relationship to ensure that stability of their regimes and ascertain that balance of power does not tilt against them (Albert).
However, we also learn that these relations deteriorated because of the changing perspectives of North Korea and China. For instance, The Cultural Revolution, of China, was criticized by North Korean Leadership and termed it madness. In fact, North Korean Leadership called Mao Zedong a fool, which triggered protests on national and diplomatic levels. We learn that after this incident, China recalled its ambassador and it called the North Korean leadership Revisionist. It suggests that because of a different interpretation of communism, both countries grew apart. However, both countries did know that both countries had strategic importance for one another.
CHINA’S PERSPECTIVE
To understand that what kept these two countries close and pushed them to sign various treaties and agreements, it is essential to understand the motives behind signing these treaties and agreements. We know from the study of International relations that there are no permanent allies or enemies, but only permanent interests, which bring countries, close or make them rivals. For any country, its strategic interests are of great importance and to protect and further then; it devises diplomatic strategies and instruments to implement them. After the Communist Revolution, China was facing stiff resistance from the opposing factions, which militarily resisting communist model. At such times, the entire focus, of China, was to bring stability to China and intended to keep its frontiers quiet for as long as possible.
To ensure that trouble remains at bay, Chinese leadership identified North Korea as a potential partner, as it shared a similar ideology and it could be instrumental to keep capitalism below the 38th parallel. Therefore, when North Korean leadership approached to establish strong ties and with plans to invade South Korea, these plans were approved by senior communist leadership. The objective was to keep South Korean and American Forces as far as they could from the Chinese border. Also, China was aiming to benefit from the natural resources of North Korea, such as coal; however, it maintained a fair distance from these resources and kept this relationship military-strategic in nature (Staff and Agencies).
NORTH KOREA’ PERSPECTIVE
North Korean leadership, which was led by Kim II-sung, believed the South Korean state to be an abomination and an existential threat. However, it believed that it eliminates the artificial state of South Korea and Korean Peninsula a single country, led by Kim and modeled on communist nations. Though, American interference in the war, which was imposed upon South Korea by Kim, badly jolted Kim II-Sung.
This new factor of the US and its military/diplomatic prowess, forced North Korean to be more close to China, which could provide its assistance, in case of foreign aggression, as China was a neighbor. However, it must also be acknowledged that North Korea looked at China more as deterrence against South Korea and West. We also learn that North Koreans were extremely dismissive about China’s communist policies, which considered madness. They believed that measures, such as the Cultural Revolution, were nothing but sheer madness.
North Korean leadership also maintained a perfect relationship with the Soviet Union, which it not only leveraged against South Korea and the United States but also against China. In 1966, when relations between North Korea and China deteriorated, North Korea relied on the Soviet Union for military and monetary assistance.
The relationship, between both countries, also changed because of the change in their international standings, their global perspectives, and changing economic conditions. However, the first significant change came after the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was no more a significant global power, which North Korea could use as leverage against other countries, such as South Korea and China. During this period, Chinese economy also started to expand, which forced it to revisit its diplomatic relations.
During this same period, North Korea faced economic hardships and natural disasters, which affected both state and its relationship with China. It was the period when the relationship between both countries underwent changes that were of significant nature (Chunshan).
CHANGES IN CHINA’S DIPLOMACY AND GLOBAL RELATIONS
Not only China’s relation with North Korea has changed, in most part gradually, its diplomatic relations, with the world at large, have also changed. In fact, the changes in China’s global standing and increased pro-active foreign policy have also impacted the Sino-North Korean relationship. When the Chinese state appeared, and communists took control, China was extremely isolated. It has relations with Pakistan and other Asian countries, but its relationship with the West was almost non-existent. Also, it had a problematic relationship with the Soviet Union, and they China considered the Soviet Union its rival. The scale, of isolation and stunted foreign policy, can be understood by the fact that only 200, 000 Chinese had traveled abroad from 1949 to 1978. However, as per official stats, around 46 million Chinese had traveled abroad only in the year 2008. These stats are essential to comprehend how much China and its foreign policy has changed over the years. We can also infer that China must have developed consensus with different world countries, regarding various kinds of issues, which does include North Korea (Jiechi).
We also learn that China became more sensitive regarding the concerns of the world community when it economically expanded. It had to develop and maintain excellent relations with major world economies to get market access and to ensure FDI inflows. These relationships were based upon two understandings; 1) global concerns, such as global security and the environment, are also China’s concerns and 2) its economic expansion will not be a threat, in any form, for other countries. In fact, it was China, which ensured that its economic progress would not be translated into military might backed by expansionary design. Therefore, the relation between North Korea and China gradually started to deteriorate, as world considered it an irrational state, which was a threat to global security. All these factors played a part in the gradual frosting of relationship (Chandran).
CHANGES IN NORTH KOREAS DIPLOMACY AND GLOBAL RELATIONS
North Korea’s isolation increased after the Cold War that ended in the year 1989, which implosion of the Soviet Union. However, in the early 90s, the isolation was not so intense. However, after the catastrophic famine, North Korea’s isolation increased as North Korea refused any intervention by foreign countries to help them. It suggested to the world that the North Korean regime was ruthless and it only protected its interests. The North Korean regime presumed, as per many experts, that the foreign intervention would affect the power structure, in the long run, as the propaganda regarding hostile world would not remain as effective. People would question the authenticity of such propaganda, and it would lead to a gradual decrease in power that is the result of fear and warmongering.
Therefore, the 90s was the decade in which North Korea went into the shell, and it shut the doors for the foreigners and foreign powers. It tightened its control over North Korea and became hostile to countries around it. During the same period, China was expanding both economically and diplomatically, as its relations with the world was improving.
As allies became less of North Korea; therefore, its dependence, on China, grew evidently. In fact, China became the largest trading partner, as it provides most of its food and energy supplies. As per statistics, energy and food supplies account for more than 90% of total trade volume of North Korea. In the first half of 2017, trade of Sino-North Korea has totaled around $2.6 billion, which is higher, around 10%, from the same period in the year 2016 (Albert).
However, North Korea was aware of the fact that for the survival of the regime, it would have to diversify its income resources. Therefore, it established many firms, around the world, under pseudo-ownership, which generated income for the North Korean Regime. Because of these stern changes, the North Korean perspective of the world also changed it became more hostile towards it. However, it must also be recognized that the United States presence, in the Korean peninsula, and its continuous threatening and provocation shaped its strategic, economic, diplomatic, and military perspectives. In fact, it was the dominant factor.
NUCLEAR TEST AND ITS IMPACT ON THE RELATIONSHIP
North Korea had long been working on the nuclear program. Its objectives were to develop nuclear devices, which could act as a deterrent against hostile countries. North Korea was of the view that its nuclear weapons would keep the United States at bay and they would be incredibly in the survival of the regime. Therefore, it started developing nuclear weapons, for which its required assistance. As per experts, this assistance came, secretly, from China and Pakistan (a close ally of China). Pakistan, which got assistance from China to establish and successfully run its nuclear program, gave centrifuges to North Korea in exchange for nuclear missile technology. Also, Pakistan also assisted, as per reports, in developing the design of nuclear-plant. This expedited North Korea’s nuclear program and it tested first nuclear device in 2006 (Staff and Agencies).
China’s role, in this episode, has remained remarkably ambiguous and strange. For instance, China was part of that Six-Party talk, which was devised to keep North Korea from acquiring nuclear weapons. As per most of the reports, China sincerely tried to convince North Korea to shut its nuclear program. It may be because China had started to view North Korea as an irrational actor, which regime was desperate. It might have prompted China to be more severe and proactive to deactivate North Korea’s nuclear program (Staff and Agencies).
From the study of the recent events, such as seizing of Chinese boats and demanding money for the release of Chinese, we can deduce that relationships are at all-time low. Also, dramatic changes in the composition of the regime, because of the infighting and killings, have perplexed China and distanced it from North Korea. However, there are so many factors, which are involved in this relationship, which must be considered before any analysis regarding this unique relationship.
CURRENT OBJECTIVES AND NATURE OF RELATIONSHIP
It has already been established in this discourse that it is interesting or objectives, of a particular country that determines its foreign policy, as there are no permanent allies or enemies, but only permanent interests. Therefore, we should also understand the relationship, between China and North Korea, in economic and strategic interests. China no more considers North Korea a buffer state, which is imperative to stop capitalism from encroaching towards its South-East frontiers. In fact, it considers North Korea to be a menace, which is affecting the region adversely (Chandran).
However, still, a section of Communist Party believes that North Korea as a state serves its strategic interests. It also argues that sudden and dramatic collapse, of North Korea, will create challenges in China, a large chunk of the population will seek refuge in China to avoid the catastrophe of any nature. It will put the economic and political burden on China, but before that North Korean regime can yield a massive military and nuclear challenge for both China and region. Therefore, the state of North Korea must exist, and it must remain stable. Therefore, keeping relations, at any level, is also imperative. As long China has relations with North Korea, it can exert some leverage over that country.
North Korea, on the other hand, desperately needs an ally and trade partner. It knows that its illicit business, all around the world, is not enough to keep the state running and it needs a trade partner to ensure survival. Also, it also knows that China’s say has increased over the period and it is the channel, through which it can contact and interact with the world community, in more meaningful and efficient manner. Therefore, maintaining ties with China and to an extent improving them is in the interest of North Korea and the regime knows that. However, increasingly, it is becoming difficult for both countries maintain these relationships. Some experts are of the view that this relationship has become a burden or a bad marriage (Chunshan).
CHALLENGES IN MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIP
As we have mentioned that both countries are finding it difficult to maintain these old and historical ties. China believes that North Korean regimes modus operandi and modus Vivendi is detrimental to the North Korean regime and its allies. North Korea is increasingly becoming more irrational over the years and as survival of the regime is becoming more and more difficult. North Korea does not shy from nuclear blackmail of ensuring that the system, which it has developed, remains intact.
North Korea has started to consider its nuclear and missile program the ultimate guarantee of its survival. Therefore, in the recent months, it has tested ballistic missiles and nuclear devices that can target eastern coastal cities of the United States. It has made the United States more aggressive, and chances of nuclear showdown are there. However, the United States are also continuously provoking North Korea to take desperate measures, which is another subject of discussion. This modus operandi puts China under pressure both directly and indirectly. The direct threat emanates from North Korea itself in the form of irrational use of nuclear weapons. The indirect pressure comes from the United States and West that pressures China to play a role.
For North Koreans, it is hard to maintain these ever-deteriorating relations because it believes that China uses the relationship as leverage and to influence the North Korean state. Therefore, North Korea gradually distanced itself from China, so that it could reduce this leverage and influence that China intends to exert. North Korea also believes, as per some experts, that its nuclear weapons make it relevant and others receptive to it. Therefore, there is no need of China as mean to interact or communicate with the world community. Also, independent foreign policy requires less reliance, as per North Korea regime (presumably), on China (Jiechi).
CONCLUSION
In the end, it can be concluded that in the year 1961both countries singed Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty. By the spirit of this treaty, China had to provide and military and other assistance, if ever North Korea was attacked by another country. It reflects that both countries desired strong relationship to ensure that stability of their regimes and ascertain that balance of power does not tilt against them.
Sino-North Korean relations are old, and historical, and we learn that China had provided both military and financial aid to North Korea when it required. We have also learned that relationship and the nature of the relationship, between both countries, depend on the strategic economic, political, and political objectives of both countries. After World War II China needed a buffer state between itself and South Korea, which is identified in the form of North Korea. China was extremely apprehensive about the US and its presence in Korean peninsula; therefore, it was natural that it developed a relationship with North Korea and gave this relationship dimension, such as military cooperation.
North Korea required China as an ally to face a powerful adversary as the United States. It knew that because of the proximity, China could be its best ally, as it would be able to provide military aid in quick time. Also, it’s considered China to be a sanctuary for its people, in time of catastrophe. However, we also know that both states interpreted communism very differently and had serious agreements with it. Furthermore, the relationship deteriorated as China started to emerge as a global economic power. It made China a more responsible state. In contrast, because of its policies, both political and military, North Korea became isolated. The relations between the two states deteriorated drastically, and both countries grew suspicious and skeptical of one another. However, they still maintain relations, and it is presumed that these relations would remain in near and distant future.
Work Cited
Albert, Eleanor. “The China–North Korea Relationship.” Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, 27 September 2017. Web. 7 December 2017. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/china-north-korea-relationship.
Chandran, Nyshka. “North Korea’s relationship with its sole ally is losing steam.” The Diplomat. The Diplomat, 27 October 2017. Web. 6 Dcemeber 2017. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/27/china-north-korea-relationship-on-the-decline.html.
Chunshan, Mu. “Why China-North Korea Relations Can’t Be Broken.” CNBC. CNBC,10 March 2016. Web. 6 December 2017. https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/why-china-north-korea-relations-cant-be-broken/.
Jiechi, Yang. “China’s foreign relations in the past 60 years.” Telegraph. Telegraph, 1 October 2009. Web. 7 December 2017. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/6247869/Chinas-foreign-relations-in-the-past-60-years.html.
Staff and Agencies. “North Korea claims first nuclear test.” The Guardian. The Guardian, 9 October 2006. Web. 7 December 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/oct/09/northkorea.
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