Publication

This paper discusses China's role in the conflict over North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The author argues that the situation in North Korea is more complicated, less clear-cut, and perhaps even riskier for China than it is for any of the other involved parties, except South Korea. The paper concludes that Beijing’s most likely path will be to seek a multilateral approach that enhances its prestige and influence, while also avoiding extreme reactions in Pyongyang and providing political cover in the event of continued stalemate.