Why is China openly inviting the North Korean leader to attend the military parade?

German media stated that China's high-profile invitation of the North Korean leader to attend the military parade obviously has multiple considerations! On September 1, German media published an article claiming that China's invitation at least has three aspects of consideration. First, German media believe that China's invitation shows its emphasis on Sino-North Korean relations, strengthens its influence over the peninsula affairs, and also intends to make a certain balance at a time when Russia-North Korea relations are warming up.

The second is that Beijing is trying to lay out a strategy for future interactions between North Korea and the United States. German media believe that Trump's foreign policy style prefers "leader-to-leader" direct transactions. Under this style, there is a high possibility that a "Kim-Trump meeting" could occur again this year or next year. Such a meeting may very likely lead to Beijing being marginalized. Therefore, China is trying to send a message to Trump through this, that China will not be absent from the issue of the Korean Peninsula.

The third is that German media believe that China is using the Sino-North Korean relationship to remind South Korea. This reminder is that if South Korea relies solely on American security protection but ignores China's geopolitical influence, then any peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula cannot be achieved. Therefore, German media believe that China is making a move based on its own interests. What do we think about this view of German media? Obviously, the views of German media are very reasonable.

From our perspective, China and North Korea are close neighbors, and changes in the situation on the Korean Peninsula have a significant impact on our country's security situation. Therefore, in the context of Sino-US competition, we certainly need to ensure our influence over the situation on the Korean Peninsula for our own security. Our invitation of the North Korean leader is partly based on the friendly Sino-North Korean relationship and shared historical memories, and of course, there are also practical considerations. It is obvious that we first stabilize our traditional relationship with North Korea, which is beneficial for us to be in a favorable position when facing multiple competitions, and such an action is undoubtedly necessary.

Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1842078389114890/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.