ABSTRACT
Of all of China’s contemporary relations with its neighbors none seems more uncertain—yet remains highly important to its national and security objectives—than its bilateral ties with North Korea. This largely stems from China’s geostrategic interests over the Korean peninsula, but historical, political, and other factors play a role as well. Moreover, as continued stability in the region as a whole and on the peninsula in particular remains critical to the success of its economic development, China has maintained some level of contacts with the isolated and dictatorial regime in Pyongyang and has continued to be the latter’s number-one trade partner throughout the post-Cold War period.
