China's Position on Korean Reunification

South Korean ambassador to China Kim Ha-joong had a brief chapter in his book 腾飞的龙 (The Soaring Dragon, World Knowledge Publishing Press, 2002) on China's view of Korean reunification.

He noted that those who argue that China is not keen to see the two Koreas reunite reasoned that if reunification occurs, a stronger Korea might threaten or even weaken China's overall influence. Worse, a reunited Korea might even demand from China the return of "lost" territories.

Citing Chinese sources, Kim noted that firstly, it is not true that China does not wish to see a reunited Korea. After all, Beijing had often made it clear that the reunification of the two Koreas should be undertaken in a peaceful and autonomous manner, and in line with the wishes of the Korean people. What this argument implies is that even if China inherently opposes reunification, it would not take active steps to alter or reverse the trend or process.

Secondly, Kim pointed out that given China's "anti-hegemonistic" inclination, it would be difficult for Beijing to "meddle" into the question of Korean reunification. Besides, "if reunification occurred in light of Beijing's disapproval, one can well imagine how a reunified Korea would view and treat China."

Thirdly, Kim noted that a reunited Korea can play an important role in global politics and commerice, and such a role would be beneficial for China. Hence, it would not be in China's interest to oppose reunification.

Lastly, Kim concluded that a reunification of the two Koreas will be seen as a setback for Taiwan separatist forces. Reunification will also reduce the interference by other countries into what China sees as an internal issue, i.e. the Taiwan issue.

The chapter consisted only of two pages with hardly any elaboration, which is a pity. But given his official capacity then (when the book was written) and even now, there is probably a lot more that he can say, but which he found inconvenient to do so.