| ID | 108570 |
| Title Proper | New games in tightly fixed structures |
| Other Title Information | North Korea's volatile desperation and China's cornered strategy |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Yinhong, Shi |
| Publication | 2011. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | What has happened to North Korea-China relations since autumn 2009 is nothing
less than a renewal of the alliance. This is a sea change, brought about first of all
by the deterioration of Kim Jong Il's health and then by all the resulting turmoil
of his regime's instability and difficulties. Both sides' policy behavior toward the
other became a "new game," dictated by a sort of dire emergency, and placed them
in a tightly fixed structure reducing much of the scope for a strategy adjustment.
Pyongyang's new game has been characterized prominently by volatility or a
malfunctioning of the "rational" policymaking capacity of the ailing dictator.
Volatile desperation dominates behavior in the leadership succession, in military
affairs, the nuclear arms program, its posture toward the United States and ROK,
respectively, and in its relations with China. The new game can be defined as one
between a volatile DPRK and a relatively loyal ally with an anxious strategy that
is cornered in its relations with the ROK and the United States on the North
Korean issue. China's relationship with the DPRK is the most complicated of all,
and in a sense disabling. As to China-ROK cooperation on the North Korea issue,
the above factors unfortunately dim the prospects; however, there is still reason
for optimism if efforts continue to be made to find a resolution to the problem. |
| `In' analytical Note | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 3; Sep 2011: p.353-368 |
| Journal Source | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 3; Sep 2011: p.353-368 |
| Key Words | North Korea ; North Korea - China Relations ; Kim Jong Il ; China ; Nuclear Arms Program ; United States ; China - ROK Cooperation |