What Do China and North Korea Think About One Another? It’s Not Good
By Ryan Pickrell. Chinese and North Korean forces once fought side by side on the battlefield, but ties have since frayed, possibly beyond repair.
China has a complicated relationship with North Korea, which simultaneously serves as both a strategic asset and a liability. However, it has become more the latter than the former in recent years. North Korea’s frequent provocations frustrate Beijing, and China’s decisions to pressure North Korea in concert with the U.S. greatly angers Pyongyang. China and North Korea’s top leaders absolutely despise one another, according to individuals close to the respective governments.
When Chinese President Xi Jinping took power five years ago, he presented a grand vision for China known as the “Chinese Dream,” an ambitious plan to restore China’s great power status and make the country a responsible and respected global leader. Since North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un took control following the death of his father, the young ruler has advanced the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs at an accelerated rate, creating instability on China’s doorstep with frequent tests, drills, and intentionally aggressive and hostile provocations.
The only time former U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus has ever heard the professional Chinese president use “undiplomatic language” was when he was talking about Kim, Baucus revealed to the British Broadcasting Network. (Read more from “What Do China and North Korea Think About One Another? It’s Not Good” HERE)
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Japan PM Shinzo Abe Promises to Deal With North Korea Threat
By BBC. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promised to “deal firmly” with North Korea after exit polls suggested he won a clear victory in Sunday’s election.
Mr Abe had called an early election for an increased mandate to deal with “crises” facing Japan, including the threat from Pyongyang.
Local media report Mr Abe’s ruling coalition has retained its two-thirds majority in parliament . . .
The prime minister has previously called for the existence of the country’s armed forces to be formalised, a controversial move which he says is needed to strengthen Japan’s defence but which critics say is a step towards re-militarisation. (Read more from “Japan PM Shinzo Abe Promises to Deal With North Korea Threat” HERE)
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