ABSTRACT
Any understanding of North Korea’s nuclear issue remains incomplete without addressing the Chinese linkages. A nuclear crisis in the Korean peninsula that has occurred any time in the past, in the recent times or (is likely to occur) even in the future, does concern China. This chapter explores the extent of Chinese involvement in the North Korean nuclear issue. Additionally, it also seeks to comprehend whether China can contribute in resolving the North Korean nuclear conundrum. The chapter highlights the North KoreaChina nuclear relations in this context. The idea is to unpack the two sets of Chinese influence on the North Korean nuclear issue. Broadly, the Chinese’s influence on the North Korean nuclear issue can be categorised in two sets: one, direct assistance on nuclear capability or dual use capability, the information of which is available only through conjecture; and, two, indirect assistance through a policy of active detachment.
