International Relations: The Story of China and the Two Koreas - Speech or Presentation Example

International Relations: The Story of China and the Two Koreas The diplomatic interactions of China, North Korea and South Korea have been defined by their history, geography and politics. Throughout generations, these nations’ ever-active and unpredictable relations have been the subject of interest for most state leaders, foreign relations experts, political scientists, economic analysts, social scholars, journalists and even the ordinary citizens of the world. Not only were the Chinese and the Koreans have a particular stake in the issues that beset their countries but also the whole of humankind as these contribute to the general status of the socio-politico and fiscal dynamics of the now-global village.

Historical Overview The solid brothers-in-arms relationship of China and North Korea traces its roots during the Korean War in the early 1950’s. While the United Nations and the United States (and its allies) rendered their support to South Korea, it was the Soviet Union and China who backed the military capacities of North Korea. Also in retrospect, during the 1930 Manchurian War between China and Japan, Korean leader Kim Il Sung submitted over 100, 000 citizens to boost the Chinese ‘Red’ forces strategically positioned at the borders.

Sharing a common ideology of socialism and communism, the two countries’ relations can be described as generally friendly towards each other. For them, close cooperation is vital not only to their national security but also to the continued survival of their authorities (Scobell 5). Conversely, during the civil war in China, South Korea extended support and maintained close ties with Taiwan (Republic of China). Throughout these periods, a significant ‘no official relations’ between communist Beijing and capitalist Seoul was recorded.

Like the other nations of the world during this time, both countries were in a cold war. Present-day Scenarios Contemporary history would tell that North Korea heavily depends on the economic powers of China. One reason for this is the institutionalized agreement signed by the two countries since 1961. The Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty, where China committed itself to provide military and financial support to North Korea, has been continually renewed in 1981 and 2001 and shall remain valid until 2021.

Meanwhile, since the diplomatic relations between South Korea and China was formally launched in 1992, both countries embarked into a series of talks and meetings. Language experts and international relations officers were exchanged by both countries in efforts to fortify diplomacy. In 2007, the Chinese government sought a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea, in acknowledgement of the capitalist nation’s noticeable rise in economic gains and investment potentials. It was reported in 2009 that the trade surplus of South Korea with China peaked at over 30 billion US dollars (Kim & Jaffe 10).

In-store for the Future Of late, North Korea’s steadfast nuclear weapons program became a growing concern for the Chinese people. In 2006, when the country pilot tested its nuclear armaments, China was one of the nations that strongly condemned the act and issued sanctions. Calling North Korea as a ‘spoiled child’ and its nuclear munitions development as a ‘threat to global security,’ some Chinese officials were alleged to have proposed a Korean peninsula reunification in favor of the South (Shambaugh 55).

But most analysts observed that, Beijing would always find it hard to cease its alliance with North Korea as such event would cause the influx of North Korean refugees into mainland China, and thus becoming a liability to the nation. An endless mutual cooperation, according to many, is central to both China and North Korea (Chung 78). Cognizant of China’s usefulness as its gateway to the world and emissary to global diplomatic activities, North Korea could never afford to lose such a ‘true friend,’ and at times ‘only friend’ (Vang 260).

Certainly, North Korea should listen to China if it desires to exist and sustain. While, South Korea should remain open with its relative diplomacy with China not only for economic reasons but also for the greater good of humanity. In the end, for the two Koreas, it is China that seems to assume the potential role of a peacemaker. Works Cited Chung, Jae Ho. Between Ally and Partner: Korea-China Relations and the United States. New York, NY: Columbia UP, 2008. Print. Kim, Myung Oak, and Sam Jaffe.

The New Korea: An Inside Look at South Korea’s Economic Rise. New York, NY: AMACOM Division (American Management Association, 2010. Print. Scobell, Andrew. China and North Korea: From Comrades-In-Arms to Allies at Arm's Length. Carlisle Barracks, PA: Strategic Studies Institute, 2004. Shambaugh, David L. China and the Korean Peninsula: Playing for the Long Term. The Washington Quarterly 26.2 (2003): 43-56. Print. Vang, Pobzeb. Five Principles of Chinese Foreign Policies. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse, 2008. Print.