Why China's Leaders Benefit from a Nuclear, Threatening North Korea: Preempting and Diverting Opposition at Home and Abroad

Since the S oviet U nion's collapse and N orth K orea's subsequent deep economic crisis, C hina's economic and diplomatic support has been vital to the N orthern regime's survival. Why has C hina provided this support? In foreign policy‐making, C hina's post‐ D eng leaders have increasingly prioritized domestic politics over national interests. This implies that C hina's leaders are likely to view the N orth's nuclearization, proliferation efforts, and controlled provocations as increasingly beneficial – as long as these activities stop short of triggering all‐out war. C hina's actions, as opposed to its statements, are consistent with this analysis.