ID | 061221 |
Title Proper | Dealing with a truculent ally |
Other Title Information | a comparative perspective on China's handling of North Korea |
Language | ENG |
Author | Chambers, Michael R |
Publication | Jan-Apr 2005. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | Fearing war on the Korean peninsula as a result of the current nuclear crisis, China has attempted to restrain its risk-taking ally in North Korea and push it toward a negotiated solution. In the process, Beijing has reneged on security commitments made in its bilateral alliance with Pyongyang. We should not be surprised by this behavior because China has acted similarly in other alliances with Asian neighbors. In particular, the PRC has demonstrated a wariness of being dragged into unwanted conflicts, has (since the economic reforms began in 1978) placed its own strategic economic development interests over fulfilling security pledges to allies, and has taught unruly allies a lesson for defying Chinese interests and advice by allowing them to be bloodied in combat. China's refusal to honor its security commitments in order to restrain North Korea and avoid entrapment in an undesired war raises the issue of the future of this alliance. |
`In' analytical Note | Journal of East Asian Studies Vol. 5, No.1; Jan-Apr 2005: p 35-75 |
Journal Source | Journal of East Asian Studies Vol: 5 No 1 |
Key Words | China ; North Korea ; Alliances ; Nuclear Crisis ; China-International Relations-North Korea |