New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

A mural of a woman’s face holding up a chain with the word “LOISAIDA” and a gold cityscape. The words “el bohio murals” and “#BRINGARTBACK” are next to the woman alongside the words “CURATED BY … THRIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG.”
Activists’ 25-year fight to revive an East Village community center
Dharma Niles, Deputy News Editor • Mar 12, 2024
A front entrance with the text “Electric Lady Studios” written in a retro white font on two reflective walls.
‘An exploitative environment’: The interns behind Electric Lady Studios
Julia Diorio, Music Editor • Feb 20, 2024

Less diplomatic policies allowed between East Asian countries

China’s top general Fang Fenghui said on Monday that a fourth North Korean nuclear weapons test is feasible, and that talks are underway between Pyongyang and other regional parties.

Since North Korea recently renounced the 1953 Armistice Agreement with South Korea and shut down its Kaesong factories, a joint-industrial complex employing both South and North Korean workers, the United States has been on its toes trying to ensure stabilization in Asia. But, unfortunately, a diplomatic plea to North Korea to stop its nuclear weapons program is not going to cut it.

China, North Korea’s most important ally, is the main player in easing tensions in East Asia. It is a 9.6 million square kilometer-buffer between North Korea and the United States. Yet, despite its tremendous influence over North Korea, China’s reaction to its neighbor’s threats has been relatively relaxed.

When Secretary of State John Kerry visited Beijing, he urged China to put more pressure on North Korea. All Beijing has done is sign tougher U.N. sanctions — a move that sends a message to North Korea but only hurts the poor and does not affect the people in power. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un remains untested, and it’s time his provocations are met with more than just a slap on the wrist.

Throughout history, China has been the largest support system for the North Korean regime. North Korea would be committing political suicide if it made decisions that would encourage China to cut them off from its economy.

In addition, China has not only one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals but also the world’s largest military, so there should be no question among North Korean leaders about the devastating consequences of losing China’s support.

Yet here we are. North Korea threatens another nuclear test, and Fang still refuses to state whether China will adopt tougher measures against North Korea in order to mitigate hostility across the Pacific. South Korea and Japan are considering upping their defense, and the United States and South Korea have already organized joint military exercises in the region, with the United States sending B-2 stealth bombers and F-22 fighter jets to send a message to North Korea. The United States is even trying to deter North Korea from obtaining the $4 billion stored overseas by Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong-il.

Diplomacy is always Plan A, but alarming instability in East Asia and strong North Korean resistance pose a unique situation for the United States. Military intervention is always on the table, but after fighting two wars over two decades, there is no appetite for more debt, death and destruction. This is why we need China.

China needs to take a hard-lined, militaristic stance against North Korean aggression. Without a tougher effort from Beijing, North Korea will continue to undercut the international community, and the United States may be forced to move on to Plan B.

 

A version of this article was published in the Wednesday, April 24 print edition. Raquel Woodruff is a deputy opinion editor. Email her at [email protected].

View comments (2)

Comments (2)

Comments that are deemed spam or hate speech by the moderators will be deleted.
All Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

  • A

    AsianMay 1, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    The Asian nations have been shattered. India and Pakistan, China and Taiwan, the two Koreas…India takes Pakistan, South Korea absorbs North Korea, Taiwan takes back China and maybe Mongolia, everything’s solved.

    Reply
  • W

    WaypostApr 26, 2013 at 8:31 am

    At this point China has more to lose than the USA if NK starts a war

    Reply