Chinese support of UNSC Resolution 1874 was initially celebrated as a significant step forward in the attempts to denuclearize North Korea. However, it appears increasingly likely that strict Chinese enforcement of sanctions on the DPRK is a pipe dream. The sanctions, designed to force Kim Jong Il to abandon nuclear weapons, are the harshest yet passed by the Security Council. As before though, China’s cooperation is the linchpin.
Unfortunately, China, since Friday, has made statements suggesting it will do as little to enforce UNSC Resolution 1874 as it has previous ones. A Chinese diplomat said:
China is more concerned about the possibility that excessive pressure on North Korea will lead to internal chaos and collapse in North Korea, threatening the stability of China’s northeast.
And Agence France-Presse reports:
China said Tuesday it would “earnestly” implement a UN resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear test, but warned countries against action that could aggravate the situation.
The Chinese attitude must be frustrating for the Obama Administration and our regional allies. But reversing the long-standing support of the Kim dynasty presents risks to Chinese national interests. It may be time for the United States, South Korea, and Japan to face this reality and explore new routes to denuclearization. And while maintaining the five-party talks is sensible, we should not expect them to produce tangible results.
The China issue is certainly
The China issue is certainly going to prove interesting. The U.S., fortunately, recognizes the critical importance of China and seems willing to act accordingly. In fact, it was reported this morning that the U.S. is considering dispatching Henry Kissinger or someone of similar caliber to Beijing.
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/06/22/2009062200335.html