With an Ally Like North Korea, Does China Need Enemies?

Photo: (stephan)

The news that North Korea tested a hydrogen bomb on January 5 has raised fresh concerns about the stability of the Korean peninsula. While it remains doubtful that North Korea has actually succeeded in building the most destructive weapon in the world, what is certain is that the alleged test has exploded the myth of the Beijing-Pyongyang alliance.

Whenever North Korea is mentioned in connection with China, the world’s most brutal family dictatorship is often described as Beijing’s “ally.” But if we closely examine Pyongyang’s behavior, including its latest nuclear gambit, we have to wonder whether, with allies like North Korea, China really needs enemies.