Dong Ryul Lee, Professor at the Department of
Chinese Studies at Dongduk Women’s University and the Chair of the China
Research Center at EAI, writes that China’s policies toward North Korea and its
nuclear program has been consistent for the past 30 years, and has taken
caution not to pressure North Korea to the extent that would escalate
instability and has played a role in easing tensions. Professor Lee highlights
that Beijing actively intervened to secure its position and influence in the
Korean Peninsula when significant changes to the region’s strategic landscape
were made. He suggests that South Korea should seek the support of China in its
North Korea policy based on the accurate understanding of China’s policy stance
and the maximum degree to which South Korea can influence.
