ABSTRACT
The US and North Korea have had a troubled relationship since the creation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) September 9, 1948, in the wake of the US-backed creation of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on August 15, 1948. From a US perspective, tensions surrounding North Korea escalate unpredictably on an almost daily basis. China's position vis-a-vis both Koreas is strengthened further by its relations with Japan and the US, and their alliance. From Korean vantage points Sino-Japanese relations loom largest because of Japan's proximity, their history, and Japan's perceived influence over US policy toward Asia. South Korea's relations with China's role in inter-Korean affairs have been reinforced by the ROK's problems within the triangular security ties between the US and its two Northeast Asian allies. North Korea's escalating nuclear brinkmanship created an awkward dilemma for the George W. Bush administration as it tried to deal with the DPRK in a creative manner.
