China Is Finally Trying To Be A Big Brother To North Korea

The rapid acceleration in the frequency of North Korea’s missile tests and its nuclear technological developments has generated severe security tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. While, the prime intention of North Korea’s nuclear program was to deter foreign intervention, the unrelenting testing of its missiles, as well as the threats and provocations made by its supreme leader Kim Jong-un has played a catalytic role in attracting the attention of the concerned international community. In light of the growing tensions, North Korea’s closest ally, China, is now ready to pose stringent measures against the Kim government to ensure that they break away from their rebellious behaviour and assist in maintaining peace, harmony, and security in Asia.

China and North Korea have shared a deep historical relationship, and on several occasions have found it difficult to act against one another. According to Politifact, since the year 2000, China’s trade with North Korea has quadrupled to fill the gap in their economy that was caused by the sanctions imposed by the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and the rest of the world. The Guardian has described the relationship between the two countries perfectly by calling China a new economic lifeline for the Kim regime, as they contribute to approximately 90% of North Korea’s trade.

However, this growing relationship received a severe setback on Sunday when the Chinese Foreign Minister clearly told his counterpart that North Korea should, not only, stop conducting its nuclear testing, but also strictly abide by the latest UN resolutions. The new mandate by the UN has imposed firm sanctions by banning the Korean imports and limiting a number of foreign investments in the country. Upon the UN’s decision, Nikki Haley, the United States’ Ambassador to the United Nations, said that “North Korea was facing the most stringent set of sanctions on any country in a generation.”

Astoundingly, China, who has been North Korea’s protector for ages, also voted in favour of the UN resolution. One cannot ignore the fact that China is being the big brother to North Korea with this move and trying to teach the regime the correct path forward. At the same time, the Chinese have been making efforts to neutralize the steadily heating up situation between North Korea and the United States and has requested that all parties handle the situation calmly. With that said, it is clear that the Chinese know how to pull their diplomatic strings to keep their relationships intact and these sanctions are just one of those moves.

Meanwhile, facing constant pressure from the U.S. government has made it difficult to abstain from taking any action on the North Korean issue. Moreover, in the wake of China’s reaction, the U.S. is, happy, but has committed themselves to make sure that the Chinese fulfil their commitment. Thus, it is likely that the U.S. will continue to voice their criticisms of China.

Nevertheless, ample credit needs to be given to China, who have now come into the role of acting like the bigger person among all the others, as they have negated their own interests for the greater good of the region.

Akanksha Khullar

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