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China tries to balance fallout of Korean tension
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| Contributor | RP |
| Last Edited | RP May 26, 2010 03:15pm |
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| Category | Analysis |
| Author | CHRISTOPHER BODEEN |
| News Date | Wednesday, May 26, 2010 05:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | The ship sinking and rising tensions put Beijing in an uncomfortable position, forcing it to choose between traditional communist ally North Korea and close trading partner South Korea. Beyond that, the situation is squeezing China between playing the responsible power it says it wants to be, and protecting a loyal buffer state reviled by the world.
For Beijing, none of the options look good.
"China won't pressure North Korea. That could lead to a crisis," said Gong Keyu, deputy director of the Asia-Pacific Research Center at Shanghai's Institute for International Studies. "But if China keeps doing nothing, some countries may come to doubt our influence in the region and question whether Beijing is a responsible international player."
For now, Beijing appears to be buying time in hopes of an outcome that won't require it to take a clear-cut stance that could cripple relations with either Korea, with whom Beijing works to maintain a balance in ties. |
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