NORTH KOREA’S NUCLEAR TEST POSES CHALLENGE FOR CHINA

February 21, 2013

On February 12, 2013, North Korea carried out a nuclear test, successfully setting off an underground explosion that was reportedly twice as powerful as the country’s last test in 2009. The test, which sparked extensive international criticism, created an unexpected and unwelcome challenge for China’s new leadership. China is often seen by other countries as the crucial element in altering North Korea’s behavior, meaning that China is also facing international pressure in the wake of North Korea’s nuclear test.

The international community had been expecting the test for weeks, ever since North Korea reacted angrily to UN condemnation of its successful satellite launch in January 2013. North Korea called the test a response to the “reckless hostility of the United States.” In the weeks leading up to the test, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China all sought to discourage the North Korean government from carrying out its plan. After the test was conducted, leaders were quick to denounce North Korea.

President Obama called the test a “highly provocative act”, and the governments of South Korea and Japan both issued warnings and began tightening their military readiness. China’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it was “firmly opposed” to and “strongly dissatisfied with” the test. Now, the international community is crafting a coordinated response to what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called a “direct challenge to the international community.” Negotiations currently underway in the UN Security Council could lead to tighter sanctions on North Korea. China, which holds a permanent seat on the Security Council, will play a key role in determining how strict the final sanctions will be.

The nuclear test created a tricky problem for China to face during a sensitive period. In early March, China will hold its National People’s Congress, where Xi Jinping and the other new leaders will officially receive their new positions. In addition, the test took place during the Chinese New Year holiday, the most important holiday of the year, prompting many Chinese netizens to complain that the timing of