China has a common land border with North Korea and major interests in the Korean peninsula. Korea was long a Chinese tributary state until Korea fell under Japanese control in 1895. China felt compelled to enter the Korean War because of fears that the United States might not only reunify Korea under southern noncommunist control but also invade China. The Chinese continue to send aid to North Korea.
While China and North Korea are officially allies, there are many strains in the relationship. Being an ally of North Korea always seems to expose the Chinese to unnecessary conflict every time the North Koreans behave irresponsibly. In 1998 the North Koreans launched a medium-range missile in the direction of Japan. Both Japan and the United States reacted in anger, and the Chinese feared they might be forced to become involved.
China's position as a major source of economic aid to North Korea increased when the former Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and the Russians could no longer give any aid to the North Koreans.
The Chinese want the North Koreans to press forward with economic reform of the kind so successful in China so that they are not so dependent on Chinese aid.
As a part of China's new policy of openness to the outside world, China would like to improve its relations with South Korea. The South Koreans have a great deal more to offer China than does North Korea. China continues to give the North Koreans diplomatic support on certain issues, such as the withdrawal of U. S. troops from South Korea. Still, China is most interested in encouraging the South Koreans to set up more factories in China and expand trade. So far the Sino-South Korean relationship has grown informally, but it is significant. Ultimately, the real issue may be competition between China and Japan for influence in South Korea. This could be a source of conflict in the future.
World History
