China’s Role in Ensuring Human Security in North Korea

Abstract

Abstract This study analyzes China’s current role in human security in North Korea, utilizing both broad and narrow interpretations of human security in its analysis. It outlines Chinese engagement with North Korea, human security as a concept, and Chinese conceptualizations of human security, then examines the role China plays in North Korean human security in terms of food aid, development and infrastructure projects, refugee repatriation, and sanctions. It argues that while China protects human security in terms of food aid, it does not promote human security intentionally, as its motivations are strongly related to traditional territorial security. Furthermore, China harms North Korean security when it comes to refugees. In areas of infrastructure and sanctions, however, it has negligible impact. The study thus concludes ways in which China ensures, harms, and negligibly impacts human security in North Korea.