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Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Ren Guoqiang

Remarks by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense about taking “all necessary measures” in the event of a North Korean collapse are raising questions about Beijing’s reasons for stating the position.

Speaking at a regular briefing on Feb. 23, ministry spokesperson Ren Guoqiang fielded questions from US reporters on whether the Chinese military had a response plan for a North Korean collapse and was willing to negotiate with the US over it.

“China’s policies on [Korean] Peninsula issues have been consistent,” Ren said in response, reiterating Beijing’s previous three-point position emphasizing denuclearization, peace and stability, and dialogue and negotiation in Korean Peninsula issues.

“The peninsula’s situation is complex and sensitive at the moment, and the countries involved need to refrain from actions that could increase tensions and to preserve peace and stability in the region,” he added.

The briefing was delivered in Chinese before being interpreted into English. Following interpretation of the first portion, Guo added, “The Chinese military will firmly uphold national security and sovereignty, taking all necessary measures as the security environment demands.”

While the remarks substituted “security environment demands” for the North Korean collapse scenario mentioned in the question, the context suggested the “necessary measures” mentioned by Ren referred to efforts to manage an emergency situation by strengthening border defense. Alternatively, they could be seen as hinting as active military involvement and penetration of North Korea by Chinese forces. At the same time, it is unlikely that China would declare plans for an armed intervention at a public setting like a spokesperson’s briefing.

Ren also dismissed as factually inaccurate recent media reports of an increased military presence in the Chinese-North Korean border region in the wake of Kim Jong-nam’s assassination.

When asked about plans for a response if a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system is deployed in South Korea, Ren said the Chinese military would “make the necessary preparations and firmly guard national security.”

A transcript and video of the briefing posted on the ministry’s website omitted the reference to “necessary measures” in the event of a North Korean collapse. China often deletes sensitive material even from responses in Q&A sessions with reporters.

Ren was appointed deputy head of the ministry’s press bureau in Feb. 2016. The Feb. 24 briefing marked his first time appearing before reporters as a spokesperson.

By Kim Oi-hyun, Beijing correspondent

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