The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
& Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Sports
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
Video
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Sun, May 29, 2022 | 18:33
-------------------------
China gauging NK leader’s level of ’respect’
Posted : 2012-02-13 17:50
Updated : 2012-02-13 17:50
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down
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.
Emailyjk@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
  • Korean Mental Health: Stranger Things
  • Dutch Korean artist's project: The Mother Mountain Institute of Sara Sejin Chang
  • Why Mario Outlet founder keeps buying houses of former presidents
  • S. Korea's new COVID-19 cases below 20,000 for 3rd day as pandemic slows
  • Union agress to resume late-night subway services in Seoul starting next month
  • Regional banks' declining offline business casts doubts over relocation plan of Seoul firms
  • 'Russia needs huge financial resources for military operations'
  • KOICA launches interactive town in metaverse for overseas volunteer program
  • Former rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae to wed in August
  • Uvalde school police chief faulted in shooting response
  • Korean films make splash at Cannes Film Festival Korean films make splash at Cannes Film Festival
  • From BTS to TWICE's Nayeon, K-pop hotshots prepare June releases From BTS to TWICE's Nayeon, K-pop hotshots prepare June releases
  • How did BTS become beacon of diversity and inclusion? How did BTS become beacon of diversity and inclusion?
  • K-pop band BTS and Biden to meet to discuss Asian inclusion, discrimination K-pop band BTS and Biden to meet to discuss Asian inclusion, discrimination
  • For new cultural policy for hallyu For new cultural policy for hallyu
DARKROOM
  • 75th Cannes Film Festival

    75th Cannes Film Festival

  • People in North Korea trapped in famine and pandemic

    People in North Korea trapped in famine and pandemic

  • 2022 Pulitzer Prize: Bearing witness to history

    2022 Pulitzer Prize: Bearing witness to history

  • Worsening drought puts millions at risk

    Worsening drought puts millions at risk

  • Our children deserve the best

    Our children deserve the best

The Korea Times
CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel : 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
Date of registration : 2020.02.05
Masthead : The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Location
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Service
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • 고충처리인
  • Youth Protection Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group