CHINA TOPIX

03/29/2024 07:02:16 am

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China will Guarantee North Korea’s Survival if it Abandons its Nuclear Weapons Program

Ready and waiting

(Photo : USAF) The Punggye-ri nuclear test site in North Korea.

China will ensure Kim Jong-un remains in power in exchange for North Korea abandoning its nuclear weapons program in its latest bid to avert a looming United States military attack on North Korea's nuclear facilities.

An astonishing editorial in state-run Global Times, which is owned by the People's Daily (the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China), said China's support will allow North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons development program while at the same time ensuring Kim remains in power.

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The editorial argues Kim is desperately seeking a way out of the current crisis that might lead to a Second Korean War if it spins out of control. It noted the north's maniacal obsession with developing its own nuclear weapons is driven by the perception only nuclear weapons prevent the U.S. overthrowing Kim's regime.

"The foremost objective of the DPRK's development of nuclear weapons is to safeguard its security of political power," said the editorial.

"Pyongyang is eager to make the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) eventually admit its legitimacy for possession of nuclear weapons, accept its nuclear deterrence and fundamentally change attitudes towards it."

The editorial, however, chided North Korea for its bull-headed insistence that developing nuclear weapons will force the U.S. to go easy on it. It noted that "two decades of reality has proved that this path won't work, even if the DPRK holds on, launching several more nuclear tests and firing several more long- and medium-range missiles."

It also pointed out this approach won't instill fear in the Americans, and that if North Korea continues its "outrageous nuclear missile tests, the likelihood of the U.S.' attacking the DPRK will surge. By that time, the survival of the Pyongyang regime may be a problem."

Despite concluding North Korea's fearmongering strategy has failed, China seeks to assuage the north's feelings by pointing out that "reconciliation between the DPRK and the outside world is predestined."

North Korea, however, should take the initiative to make the first step towards this reconciliation and it is here China can be of effective assistance.

China reminded North Korea they used to be "signatories in blood" because of their alliance in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.  That bond was frayed by the north's insistence on going its nuclear weapons program alone without China's support.

"It is advised that Pyongyang observe China's advice of announcing the suspension of nuclear activities and gradually abandon nuclear weapons, and China will play a positive role in safeguarding the security of the DPRK's state and regime after the abandonment. This is the best choice for Pyongyang."

China urged North Korea to act favorably on its suggestion now.

"The earlier Pyongyang makes this choice, the earlier it will be accessible to brilliant prospects. The Chinese government and the Chinese mainstream society are willing to respect the friendly DPRK and build a beautiful future for both sides along the Yalu River."

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