Relationship Issues

In lieu of the recent attacks on South Korea (by North Korea coughPalincough), China has been repeatedly pinned by the bulk of the G20 members to sway their ally.

Known to be North Korea's sole ally, China's decision to continue sustaining the partnership with this Communist regime has led me to question why it even bothers with a country that does not seem to be able to provide anything in return?

Upon research, I have discovered several things.

1) Where You Are Determines Who You're With

The close proximity of these two countries is one of the primary reasons why the two even function. After the Korean War, China has maintained a strong bond with North Korea. Fighting together created a brotherhood, it seems, as did their shared love for Communism.

2) It Takes Two to Tango

The entirety of North Korea's economy relies upon China. In its current state, North Korea does not contain enough resources to remain self-sufficient. However, this is not just a one-person game. Bilateral trade between China and North Korea reached $2.79 billion in 2008, up 41.3% compared 2007.

Though China's economic power has grown significantly in the past three decades, and it has grown to become the world's second-greatest superpower, it is the author's belief that these ties with North Korea are bringing them down. In addition to current issues of population control in China (as it boasts a fifth of the world's population) and lack of resources, the ties with North Korea create strain for the Chinese economy as other countries begin to turn up the heat because of the events of late. The economic success of China is not just defined by its hard work and efforts, as the other inhabitants of the world have to comply with its requests - and it appears that its current plan of attack will not have make for many happy inhabitants.

To be honest, I think they should just break up.

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