The normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China in 1992 was an important turning point in Sino-North Korean relations in the post-Cold War era and reshaped the framework and order of this relationship. The present study examine...
The normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China in 1992 was an important turning point in Sino-North Korean relations in the post-Cold War era and reshaped the framework and order of this relationship. The present study examines how North Korea and China perceived each other before, during, and after the process of ROK-PRC diplomatic normalization and how it changed their relationship. The thesis identifies this period as “a process characterized by the decline of traditionalism and the ascent of Chinese and North Korean pragmatism.”
China’s economic pragmatism in the post-Cold War era rendered North Kora a “burden” and South Korean an “opportunity.” After the normalization of relations with Seoul, China’s policy towards North Korea became more pragmatic. At the same time, however, China did not discard efforts to maintain stability in North Korea, which remained an important strategic asset. From North Korea’s perspective, China’s pragmatic policy towards North Korea and accommodations with South Korea increased Pyongyang’s concerns about abandonment. The credibility of China as an ally deteriorated significantly as China adopted a policy of equidistance towards the Korean peninsula following the normalization of PRC-ROK relations. Against this backdrop, North Korea employed brinkmanship tactics, including withdrawal from the NPT and a nuclear development program, which were intended to pressure China and keep it in check. The normalization of PRC-ROK relations was the consequence of China’s pragmatism towards North Koera, and the starting point of North Korea’s pragmatic perception of China.
The mutual perception between China and North Korea and the frame of responses formulated during this period has continued to persist until today and is likely to be maintained for the time being. China will maintain a pragmatic policy towards North Korea, but at the same time it will also actively support North Korea and intervene with regard to issues that concern North Korean regime maintenance and stability on the Korean peninsula. North Korea will try to take advantage of China’s growing diplomatic clout and economic might, but at the same time will continue to pressure China and check its influence in terms of political and military aspects through the development of missiles and nuclear program.