March 11, 2017
“Foreign Policy: China/North Korea”
There are two primary issues with China which must be considered in any discussion of our relationship with the most populated country on Earth: North Korea and trade.
Of critical importance in 2017 is the “clear and present danger” that is posed by Kim Jong-un, the 33 year old dictator of the “Democratic” (perverted use of that word) People's Republic of North Korea. Technically, there has not been a signed peace treaty between North Korea and the United Nations forces; it is a truce, which explains the militarized border between the two halves of what was once Korea. Kim inherited leadership and power from his father, Kim Jong-il, who was dictator for many years, ruling with an iron fist, just as his son now does. Anyone who defies him is silenced, permanently. For years the North Koreans have been developing a nuclear capability. Now, the investment has been in ballistic missile technology, specifically intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of reaching the United States.
That capability cannot be allowed to exist, and it has been the policy of the United States to prevent such a military weapon. It is my expectation that, should North Korea demonstrate such a capacity, the United States would immediately take steps to neutralize it. Whether that means simply using our own missiles to destroy their production facilities OR going a step farther and destroying North Korea's nuclear facilities at the same time, I'm not certain. However, I do support such an action. Putting nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles together is an unacceptable situation, given the instability of Kim Jong-un. It is almost certain that such a pre-emptive strike would lead to some sort of military exchange between North and South Korea. Should that happen, I would support whatever means the military thought necessary to end not only the threat which caused the strike but end the dictatorship which created it.
How does China fit into this potentially explosive scenario? It has long been our diplomatic posture that China should reign in Kim Jong-un. We've made it clear that we respect China's friendship and bond with North Korea; however, we've also made it clear that it will be China's fault if we are forced to remove the nuclear threat. Thus far, to our knowledge, China has been unable to “pressure or influence” the young leader. Should we strike, it will be in China's best interests to stand aside and do nothing. My own position is that if we should take out Kim Jong-un and his military, it would only be as a defensive solution, NOT an attempt to take over the country. It would be my hope that either China or the United Nations would then step in to provide stability until the North Korean people are ready to govern themselves. It is my belief that China would immediately move troops into North Korea and take charge. While that's not a great thing, it would at least create a stable climate for all the people of Korea. The current border would remain the same, but the militarized areas on both side could stand down, allowing for peace and prosperity for both countries.
Our most important long-term relationship with China revolves around trade and, eventually, space exploration. The United States stands to benefit the most from trade with China because of the difference in population. The United States has approximately 325 million people; China has approximately 1.4 billion, nearly 5 times as many. As the Chinese people become more affluent and greater consumers, there will be the opportunity to have a positive trade balance between the two countries. Currently, the tariffs and barriers which exist reverse that balance. However, as the United States increases its manufacturing and exporting to China, our two economies could stabilize each other, which is ideal for both countries. It will take time, diplomacy, and international stability for that to occur.
Space exploration is important to China, just as it is to the United States, Russia, and a few other nations who see the economic and scientific potentials for space. Regardless of our relationship with Russia and the current international space station, the United States should be working toward a partnership with the Chinese in space, a partnership among all the nations of the world in space.
The more that we work together, trade together, share our cultures, demonstrate respect for one another, and avoid wasteful confrontations, China and the United States can work together for the benefit of both populations. Our different forms of government should not get in the way of peace and cooperation.
Robert Butler
P.O. Box 193
Marmaduke, AR 72443
