미중 전략경쟁과 북·미·중 전략적 삼각관계의 변화 - 제3차 북핵 위기를 중심으로 -

Abstract

New power dynamics in the third North Korean nuclear crisis can be explained by Dittmer’s concept of a “strategic triangle. Changing U.S.-China relations was an important factor in this case along with the coercive strategies from the Kim Jong-un regime. North Korea’s nuclear arms has thus become an issue linked to the hegemonic battle between the world’s two superpowers. Another concern is the continued advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile program. Through six nuclear tests-and a “successful” hydrogen bomb test-the country is now capable of producing plutonium and uranium-based nu￾clear weapons. This progress shows North Korea’s strategic position in the North Korea-U.S.-China relations, different from that at the time of the first and second North Korean nuclear crises. Early days of the third North Korean nuclear crisis (from Kim Jong-un’s succession, 2009~April 2012) can be divid-ed into three stages. Although U.S. (B) and China (C) had a good partnership in 2009, North Korea (A)-China (C) and North Korea-U.S relations worsened. After North Korea’s second nuclear test, however, the situation changed; crisis brought about China’s rapprochement with North Korea. This ultimately formed a trilateral model of coexistence. Yet, the collapse of the Feb. 29 agreement (or the Leap Day Deal between North Korea and the U.S.) led the U.S. to question its partners. The China threat theory was raised, claiming that Americans must curb China’s rise. Accordingly, U.S. (B)-China (C) relations declined while North Korea conducted its third, fourth, fifth, and sixth nuclear tests (2012~2017). North Korea’s ties with the two countries also became strained. It was the period of an “unstable triangle relationship.” When North Korea and the U.S. entered the negotiation phase (after No-deal Hanoi Summit, 2018~2020), China also reached out to North Korea for friendly talks. North Korea accepted this, but U.S.-China relations remained relatively cold. In other words, there was a transition from an “unstable triangle relationship” to a “romantic triangle relationship,” where A has a positive link with both B and C while B and C has a negative link. This model is expected to continue for the time being. The U.S. was the most influential player in this triangle relationship during the third North Korean nuclear cri￾sis, and it stepped up its pressure on China-the hegemonic challenger. This aspect is clearly different from the first and second North Korean nuclear crises period, when North Korea and China took the main roles, respectively. No one can predict how exactly the North Korea-U.S. re-lations will unfold in the future. As the saying goes: “We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies in world politics. What is clear is that denuclearization negotiations with North Korea will require a prolonged diplomatic engagement. Moreover, the U.S. and China’s fight for global dominance is likely to grow more intense. This complex situation suggests the possibility of a new triangular model that will reflect the future of North Korea-U.S.-China relations.