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ID193215
Title ProperWhen Beijing Chose Seoul over Pyongyang
Other Title InformationChina–South Korea Diplomatic Normalization Revisited
LanguageENG
AuthorSon, Daekwon
Summary / Abstract (Note)On 24 August 1992, China finally normalized its diplomatic relations with South Korea, notwithstanding North Korea's protestations. What made Beijing jettison its traditional friendship with Pyongyang and recognize Seoul? What did China want from Sino-South Korea normalization? By extensively unearthing hitherto unknown archival evidence, this paper argues that it was China's security concern about being besieged by pro-Soviet powers, rather than an ideological affinity with North Korea, that delayed Sino-South Korea rapprochement. In the same vein, the study posits that it was the gradual Sino-Soviet reconciliation from 1985 onwards that enabled Beijing to reconcile with Seoul. Furthermore, it argues that in the face of the sudden dissolution of the Eastern bloc and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Beijing hastily sought to secure a cordon sanitaire and foreclose the possibility of the formation of a US–Japan–South Korea anti-China united front by normalizing relations with Seoul.
`In' analytical NoteChina Quarterly Vol. 256 ; Dec 2023: p.960 - 976
Journal SourceChina Quarterly No 256
Key WordsSino-South Korea diplomatic normalization ;  Sino-North Korea alliance ;  peaceful evolution ;  China and the Korean Peninsula ;  cordon sanitaire


 
 
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