By Kim Young-jin
China is gauging the new North Korean regime to see whether it will show “respect” to Beijing, an article in its state-run media said, adding that Pyongyang is apparently seeking better relations with the West.
The remark, carried in an editorial on the official website china.org.cn, came after the North installed Kim Jong-un as its new leader following the death of his father, the late ruler Kim Jong-il.
“North Korea is the county that China assists the most, however, it no longer treats Beijing as a close friend. Instead, it wants to build direct relations with the U.S.
“As Kim Jong-un becomes the country's new leader, how much the DPRK will respect China has yet to be seen,” it said, using the acronym for the North’s official name.
The comment was surprising given that analysts say the bond between the traditional Cold War allies has become tighter in recent years amid the North’s growing isolation over its nuclear weapons program and provocative behavior. Beijing reportedly delivered massive amounts of food aid across the border following the senior Kim’s death in an apparent bid to help maintain stability.
Observers said the editorial appeared to be a warning to the new regime not to neglect its benefactor for the sake of better ties with Washington, in a move that would come as Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, Beijing’s leader-in-waiting, travels to the United States for a highly-anticipated visit this week.
North Korea is expected to be discussed when Xi meets with U.S. President Barack Obama today.
The talks come as regional players consult over how to resume six-party negotiations on denuclearizing the North, a forum that Beijing hosts.
Before Kim Jong-il’s death , Pyongyang reportedly stuck a deal with Washington to suspend its uranium enrichment program in return for food aid, a deal which would have paved the way for resumption. While the leader’s passing threw this into doubt, both sides have left the door open for further discussions.
U.S.-North Korea ties have been icy since Obama took office in 2009, with the North walking out of the six-way talks, conducting a nuclear test and twice attacking the South during that time.
The editorial struck an impatient tone apparently over the stalled negotiations.
“China has mediated and promoted talks between the North Korea and the U.S., but neither of the two nations has embraced these efforts,” it said.
China and the U.S. have locked horns over the North in recent years, with Beijing protecting Pyongyang at the U.N. Security Council for censure over its 2010 sinking of the warship Cheonan and shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. Amid growing concern over China’s clout, the Obama administration has signaled a strategic shift to Asia including strengthening its military presence here, a move the editorial acknowledged.
“The U.S. is never going to leave Asia. China and the U.S. must learn to live with each other at peace in the region," it said.
Analysts do not expect Kim Jong-un to veer from his father’s policies as he focuses on consolidating power, and relations with major powers such as China.
