China and the North Korean Nuclear Issue

Abstract

The North Korean nuclear issue has received a great deal of international attention, especially in the context of the role that China can play in diffusing the crisis. China's role in the six-party talks has been grossly overstated or misunderstood. To have a realistic assessment, one needs to understand China's diplomacy in a broad perspective. Again, China's approach to the problem fits into its new strategic thinking—the peaceful rise. As regards the means, China could use economic incentives, political dialogue and/or military pressure to encourage North Korea to give up its nuclear programme.