적극적 완충국가론과 북중관계 변화

Abstract

The relationship between North Korea and China has traditionally emphasized a strategic and friendly cooperative partnership, but beneath the surface, there exists a duality characterized by growing mutual distrust and dissatisfaction. This study aims to understand and explain this duality in North Korea-China relations by analyzing the history of the bilateral relationship, which has experienced fluctuations, as well as the changes in international circumstances. It explores North Korea's strategic value as a buffer state for China and analyzes these changes according to the distinctions between satellite-buffer states, neutral-buffer states, and active-buffer states. Based on the 'lips and teeth' relationship between North Korea and China, which requires mutual cooperation, this study explores the conflict between North Korea’s pursuance to position itself as an "active buffer state" and China's intention to maintain North Korea as a buffer state under its influence. And it evaluates the conflict has been one of the key factors in creating the dual nature of their bilateral relations. Additionally, during the Cold War, North Korea practiced "pendulum diplomacy" between China and the Soviet Union during the Sino-Soviet split. In the post-Cold War era, by utilizing U.S.-China strategic competition and strengthening North Korea-Russia cooperation, Pyongyang employed a 'Third -Power Strategy' and has aimed to position itself as an active buffer state to ensure its survival and expand the interests of the Kim regime.