Horowitz, Shale

Abstract
Since the Soviet Union’s collapse and North Korea’s subsequent deep economic crisis, China’s economic and diplomatic support has been vital to the Northern regime’s survival. Why has China provided this support? In foreign policy-making, China’s post-Deng leaders have increasingly prioritized domestic politics over national interests. This implies that China’s leaders are likely to view the North’s nuclearization, proliferation efforts, and controlled provocations as increasingly beneficial – as long as these activities stop short of triggering all-out war. China’s actions, as opposed to its statements, are consistent with this analysis.
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