China must rein in Pyongyang’s nuclear actions before it’s too late
Deng Yuwen and Huang Ting say Beijing can no longer be in two minds over its long-time ally’s atomic ambitions, as the strategic and security fallout could be immense
North Korea’s fifth and biggest nuclear test shocked the world, as it is now believed that Pyongyang has made significant technological breakthroughs.
The blast was full of symbolism, taking place on the 68th anniversary of the country’s founding and soon after the G20 Hangzhou ( 杭州 ) summit. It delivers a message that Pyongyang is committed to nuclear weapons and will not abandon its programme even with outside pressure.
For China, the test not only further worsens the geostrategic environment, it lays a more solid moral foundation for the US and South Korea to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missile system. Extensive domestic opposition in South Korea to THAAD will also fade as a result.
Has North Korea already prepared for its next nuclear test?
China had a good opportunity to interrupt Pyongyang’s dream of becoming a nuclear state when Kim Jong-un had just come to power and sought help to reinforce his regime. However, it missed that chance and it is now difficult to force Kim to change his stance as he has consolidated his power base. Further, harsh UN sanctions don’t appear to have had any real impact.
The North’s nuclear actions in the past four years have not only led to increased tensions on the Korean peninsula, they have also reduced China’s strategic space. There has been no improvement in China-North Korea relations while South Korea ties have become frosty due to THAAD.
