China-North Korea Dynamics: Is Their Bond Eroding as North Korea Draws Closer to Russia?

Asia Beyond the Headlines Seminar Series (Asia Center)
Co-sponsored by the Korea Institute and Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Harvard University

Seong-Hyon Lee
Associate, Harvard University Asia Center; Former China Director, Sejong Institute, Seoul

Chaired by Andrew S. Erickson, Professor of Strategy, China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S. Naval War College; Visiting Scholar, Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Harvard University

Abstract:
The talk will examine the evolving China-North Korea relationship, particularly as Pyongyang strengthens its ties with Russia and how this affects Beijing's strategic calculations. While China and North Korea have experienced periods of diplomatic tension, their partnership remains resilient, serving Beijing's broader objective of counterbalancing U.S. influence in Asia. This relationship enables China to maintain regional stability while compelling the United States to divide its strategic attention across multiple theaters. The discussion will probe how China's management of its North Korean alliance reflects its larger geopolitical strategy within the context of U.S.-China competition.

**A light lunch will be provided.

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