Korean Job Discussion Forums

[World Traveler]

BEIJING (AP) � China said Friday it would strengthen military ties with ally North Korea, amid continuing tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul and stalled efforts to restart nuclear disarmament talks.

The vow follows a three-day visit to the North by the Chinese military's top political commissar, Li Jinai, during which he told North Korean leader Kim Jong Il that China's army wanted to enhance understanding and mutual trust and strengthen practical exchanges with the North Korean military.

"This would promote the all-around development of China-DPRK relations, which are neighborly and friendly," China's official Xinhua News Agency reported.

[weso1]

This is a response to the US-Aus military agreement getting public this week. China wants to show the US "hey, we can make defense agreements too."

The catch is this: while the US and Aus have historically had a kind of "gentleman's agreement" on defense, this now makes it official and there will be a lot more trade in weapons and tech. China and NK have always been sewn at the hip. There's nothing new they could do for each other. China would like to bring a new country to their side (Russia, Pakistan, etc) but all those entities are just not super excited to tie themselves to the Panda. So, they just flaunt their already close relationship with whoever they can to show some kind of response.

[NohopeSeriously]

Let's not forget that the 2012 South Korean Presidential Election is coming. And rumor has it the next South Korean president would most likely be a dedicated pro-PRC.