China Finally Starts Reigning in North Korea

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by mindseye
It strikes me as sharply ironic that Chinese media ceaselessly criticizes the US for unilateralism in Iraq, while insisting that the US take a unilateral approach with North Korea.

An old Chinese saying goes, "He who unties the bell must be the same person who tied it."

What it translates into the DPRK situation is: "You made the mess, you better damn well clean it up yourself."

[Ted Striker]

Well Urban you guys make sure you keep your boys in check.

And tell that wacko to do something about his haircut.

[Jon Shafer]

Wow, I'm impressed with China.

Kind of like smacking your little brother up a little bit when he speaks up too much.

[Ted Striker]

I can just picture that in my head. Smacks him in the back of the head that messes his hair all up.

[Sikander]

Originally posted by Adam Smith


Looks like the NK parliament is exceptionally efficient.

Rubber stamps are cheap and readily available.

[Urban Ranger]

One thing I found sort of funny.

GWB didn't start attacking Iraq until the Chinese finished with the People's Congress meeting. Jiang had to called W. on the phone and said, "Hold your horses for awhile.'

[Ted Striker]

Maybe the struck some deal.

[DanS]

Indeed, NK is looking at the example being made of Iraq...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2897913.stm

Ali:

[Sandman]

Is there any chance of China assuming full control of North Korea? I feel that such a move, whilst infuriating South Korea and the US, would enable a much better transition from Stalinism, than the culture shock caused by joining the South would do.

[ranskaldan]

Originally posted by Sandman
Is there any chance of China assuming full control of North Korea? I feel that such a move, whilst infuriating South Korea and the US, would enable a much better transition from Stalinism, than the culture shock caused by joining the South would do.

While that would be nice to have the diplomatic shock would be too great. Infuriating S.K. and the U.S. is not something China wants to do right now.

[Dom Pedro II]

It's funny though because it really doesn't make any sense why the U.S. would be infuriated. I mean, if the options are the Northern half of the peninsula being controlled by our most-favored nation or a hermit-like rogue state, I think the more preferable choice is rather clear.

However, I do realize that they would not be thrilled in spite of the logic of it all.

[DanS]

Why China would would want to embrace that tarbaby is beyond me.

[Sandman]

Reasons why:

1. Geopolitical power. They could use NK to bribe SK into neutrality or even an alliance.

2. Eliminating a parasitic state and establishing a slightly less moribund autonomous region.

3. Ensuring that NK stops causing trouble.

4. Humanitarian considerations for the people of NK. Not exactly top of the list though.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by DanS
Why China would would want to embrace that tarbaby is beyond me.

It's the same reason that West Germany reunified with East Germany. It's a long term view.

[Q Classic]

Is there any chance of China assuming full control of North Korea? I feel that such a move, whilst infuriating South Korea and the US, would enable a much better transition from Stalinism, than the culture shock caused by joining the South would do.

the culture shock from being korean to being chinese would be too much for any north korean to have. skoreans are among the most nationalistic peoples on earth; nkoreans are even worse. for them to be controlled by the chinese... so soon after being annexed by the japanese...
the repercussions in south korea would be even worse; one of china's larger trading partners is skorea; if nkorea were annexed by skorea, you could probably bet that skorea would see it as a threat, as an infringement on their sovereignty, and it would lead to many very tense situations in the east asian region.

1. Geopolitical power. They could use NK to bribe SK into neutrality or even an alliance

bribe how? skorea, if anything, would take it as a threat and refuse to acquiece. the koreans had been occupied less than a century before, this would be no different in their eyes.
you can bet on strong efforts in the UN to condemn china's action; stronger ties to another hated, but still democratic nation, japan; strong efforts to pressure china into letting it go...

china doesn't let up territory easily. and skoreans would be incensed to see their brothers occupied by a foreign power.