North Korea in the Sino-Soviet dispute

Abstract

The Sino-Soviet dispute has had an impact on North Korea in two major ways. First, the dispute has presented a serious dilemma to the North Korean leaders because various political, economic, and military factors have made it difficult for them to alienate either of the two Communist powers. Ever since the conflict became apparent, North Korea has tried to pursue balanced relations with China and the Soviet Union without being overly dependent upon or alienated from either of the two neighbors. Second, the conflict has been seen as an opportunity to deal with the rival Communist powers in such a way as to enhance North Korea's national interest. For the most basic geopolitical reasons and the Sino-Soviet rift, neither China nor the Soviet Union can undermine the importance of North Korea. For China, Korea is the gateway to Manchuria and serves as a buffer zone to contain the Soviet thrust into Northeast Asia. For the Soviet Union, the Korean Peninsula will become increasingly important as Moscow tries to encircle China, to contrive its future relations with Japan, and to expand its military power throughout the Pacific. Realizing the fact that both Beijing and Moscow have an overriding interest in North Korea, Pyongyang has been successfully maneuvering the SinoSoviet conflict for its own advantage. As long as the conflict continues, however, North Korea will be confronted by increasing pressures from both sides and will have to make certain choices that relate to closer identification with either Beijing or Moscow. Indeed, there has been an increase in Sino-Soviet competition for influence in Asia. Having normalized its relations with the United States and concluded the peace and friendship treaty with Japan, China has emerged as a more active and influential political power in Asia. The Soviet Union also has been adjusting to the changes in the region by strengthening its military position in Asia and by stepping up its political activities on a broad front to try to compete against China and the United States. Intensification of Sino-Soviet competition for influence in Asia will affect the policies of both countries toward the Korean Peninsula and, in particular, will put pressure on the North Korean regime.