hankyoreh

By Seong Yeon-cheol, staff reporter

An editorial in the Global Times, a major Chinese state-run daily newspaper, reported on Feb. 6 that Beijing would risk a fallout with Pyongyang to take “appropriate action” if North Korea carries out a third nuclear test.

With this editorial in the Global Times, China showed its strong opposition to a test and made explicit mention of the possibility of relations with North Korea going sour.

The editorial in the Global Times, a sister tabloid to the People’s Daily, stated that relations between Beijing and Pyongyang “now face a new challenge” with an imminent third nuclear test from North Korea.

“If North Korea insists on a third nuclear test despite attempts to dissuade it, it must pay a heavy price,” it continued.

As a potential consequence, the editorial stated, “The assistance it will be able to receive from China should be reduced.”

“Pyongyang’s diplomacy is characterized with [sic] toughness,” it continued. “But if Pyongyang gets tough with China, China should strike back hard, even at the cost of deteriorating bilateral relations.”

“There is a general principle: China is never afraid of Pyongyang,” the editorial affirmed.

It went to say that Pyongyang was “important to China, but not important enough to make China give up its diplomatic principles.”

“China is willing to maintain the Sino-North Korean friendship, but Pyongyang should do the same,” it added.

It also said the Chinese government should make it clear that aid will be reduced “to shatter any illusions Pyongyang may have,” advising North Korea not to misread China’s signals.

It went on to address claims about the issue being used as a diplomatic weapon.

“Some believe the US, Japan and South Korea are attempting to foment discord between China and North Korea . . . but China shouldn’t be taken hostage by North Korea’s extreme actions in order to avoid such a trap,” it said.

In warning of a possible chill in relations, the Global Times editorial went a step farther than in a previous piece on Jan. 25, which said aid to North Korea should be halted immediately if the nuclear test is carried out.

The Global Times added, “We are not advocating giving up the Sino-North Korean friendship. Instead, we believe the strategic significance of a friendly relationship is special. But Pyongyang shouldn’t misread China. China won’t put its relations with Pyongyang above other strategic interests.”

A diplomatic source in Beijing said, “The Chinese government is trying to prevent North Korea’s nuclear test because of the leadership transition to Xi Jinping becoming president next month. But if North Korea goes ahead with the nuclear, China will likely work to reduce the level of the international sanctions.”

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]