On Korea: Academic Paper Series
From the Issue
On Korea: Academic Paper Series 2012About On Korea: Academic Paper Series
In December 2006, KEI initiated our Academic Paper Series in which we commission up to 10 papers per year with diverse perspectives on original subjects of current interest to Korea watchers. This year-long program provides both leading Korea scholars and new voices from around the world to speak and write on trends and events affecting the Korean peninsula.
Chinese Perspectives on North Korea and Korean Unification
Author: Sunny Lee
Region: Asia
Theme: Inter-Korean, Foreign Relations
Location: Korea, North, Korea, South, China
Published July 6, 2012
Download PDFChina’s political attitudes toward the Korean peninsula and its role in managing North Korea have been a constant source of intrigue for many Asia watchers in the U.S. Trying to understand Chinese elite sentiments about the Six Party Talks, the security situation on the peninsula and reunification have only increased with Kim Jong-un’s uncertain succession and China’s own leadership transition in 2012. The goal of this paper is to understand the Chinese elite sentiment on the key issues that shape China’s attitude toward North Korea by surveying Chinese scholars on Korean affairs. It is important for us to pay attention to Chinese scholars’ opinion on North Korea because China will play a bigger role in North Korea’s future now with Kim Jong-il’s death.