U.S.-China Partnership: Building Regional Synergy for Stability and Security of the Korean Peninsula
Abstract
In the 60 years since the signing of the 1953 Korean War Armistice, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has shown extraordinary resiliency. With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, DPRK saw its financial support and economic aid from a major ally dissolve, leaving its antiquated central economic planning system in a precarious state with an outdated infrastructure and almost nonexistent industrial base. The DPRK found itself desperate for assistance to maintain the regime's control, stave off a potential economic collapse, and feed the millions of famished North Koreans suffering from severe malnutrition. Today, North Korea remains the last vestige of the Cold War. Between 1998 and 2013, North Korea detonated nuclear explosive devices, tested ballistic missiles, and developed a uranium enrichment program for the purpose of nuclear weapons proliferation. Subsequent economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council have adversely affected North Korea's economy and its people. Despite exhaustive diplomatic efforts by the United States, South Korea, and the other Six Party Talk members, North Korea has failed to become a more responsible member of the international community. The United States, as a global power, in concert with China, as an emerging regional power, possess great political and economic influence in the international community. China's continued participation in the free market and economic globalization have made it an important player in Northeast Asian Affairs and also internationally. Coupled with the United States' "rebalancing" effort in the Asia-Pacific Region, both countries are at a critical crossroads in which the North Korean issue must finally be resolved. The United States and China must forge a unique "partnership of necessity" to restructure the Six Party Talk forum to effectively address North Korea's nuclear weapons and economic well-being.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA581123
Entities
People
- Eduardo C. San Nicolas Jr.
Organizations
- National Defense University