Allies in Trouble: The Direction of Sino-North Korean Relations amid the US–China Rapprochement, 1971–1976

In the early 1970s, as Sino-American relations thawed, China and the United States reached some consensus on the Korean Peninsula issue: seeking and maintaining a long-term stable and peaceful situation on the Korean Peninsula; recognizing the legitimate existence of both North and South Korea with equal political status; separately safeguarding the interests of North Korea and South Korea while restraining their respective allies; acknowledging the temporary presence of US forces in South Korea as a crucial factor in stabilizing the peninsula. As a result, China found itself in a dilemma in dealing with the Korean issue, unable to achieve “peaceful reunification” as desired by North Korea within the framework of the United Nations. Kim Il-sung harbored resentment toward this situation. In efforts to maintain its alliance with North Korea, China provided substantial military and economic aid and took various measures to consider Pyongyang’s sentiments and interests. However, all these efforts proved insufficient to bridge the growing gap between China and North Korea in their foreign policy strategies: North Korea resisted China’s anti-Soviet diplomatic strategy and opposed Mao Zedong’s “Theory of Three Worlds,” while China joined and maintained the existing international system. Continuing to promote world revolution, North Korea was willing to resort to force to achieve reunification. However, China emphasized regional peace and stability. Ultimately, the changing dynamics of Sino-American relations led to a state of estrangement in Sino-North Korean relations.