The Times of India: A Tectonic Shift?

North Korea depends on China, but the isolated regime is turning on its benefactor with an editorial that warns “China of grave consequences if it tried to stop the development of the country’s nuclear weapons programme,” explains Nayan Chanda, founding editor of YaleGlobal Online, in his column for the Times of India. Chanda details China’s adept handling of security and foreign relations in recent weeks including a successful US meeting, launch of an aircraft carrier, ASEAN hesitation to complain about Chinese land reclamation in the South China Sea and preparations for the first One Road, One Belt summit. North Korea’s nuclear program is the thorn in China’s side, especially after South Korea accepted a US anti-missile system. “The net result of China’s ambiguous policy has been to antagonise both Koreas and create diplomatic openings for the US and Japan,” Chanda concludes. North Korea’s regime regards nuclear weapons as essential for its survival, even more so than good ties with China. – YaleGlobal