China and North Korea: From Comrades-in-Arms to Allies at Arm's Length

摘要

The relationship between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) remains the most enduring, uninterrupted bilateral friendship for both countries. This monograph examines the significance of the relationship from Beijing's perspective. First the author considers the logic of China's ties with North Korea, and then surveys the various dimensions of this multifaceted relationship. Next, he analyzes China's evolving views of North Korea and assesses its activist initiative in 2003 seeking to resolve the nuclear issue. Then he discusses Beijing's preferences for the future of the Korean peninsula, summarizes conclusions, and offers the implications for U.S. national security.