북중 관계의 불안한 이중주 -관용과 자율의 국제정치-

Abstract

This article proposes that is termed the Tolerance-Autonomy Model to explain Sino-DPRK relations by expanding prior theories on international relations between a hegemon and periphery states. According to the model, China will allow actions of the DPRK within the boundary of tolerance so long as Chinas national interests are not intruded upon. Conversely, it predicts that the DPRK will attempt to expand its autonomous space from China by maximally utilizing its geopolitical and its strategic value. From the perspective of the model, China currently faces the following four challenging issues: a) the DPRK nuclear problem, b) Sino-DPRK economic cooperation, c) Sino-US and Sino-DPRK relations, and d) Chinas national interest and policies on DPRK. Due to such challenges, it is expected that Sino-DPRK relations will not collapse in the near future, but levels of conflict and tension will gradually rise while maintaining much looser cooperative relationships than the blood alliance of the past.