So if we allow ourselves to accept that the world is big enough to share, this simplifies our world to a refreshing extent with regards to North Korea.
When China supplies upwards of 50% of North Korea’s heating oil requirements, it tends to create a fair amount of leverage (halfway down the page here). China cuts off heating oil to the DPRK and all of a sudden there is compliance with China’s wishes. China held a repeat performance in September with the same successful result.
Prescription after the jump…
Why are we pointing our sticks at North Korea when China has all the carrots? Why not accomplish two goals with one policy solution? Cede primacy on North Korea to China, improving diplomatic relations with China while removing the U.S. as the focus of North Korea’s angst. It should be pretty clear that it is in China’s best interest to avoid proliferation on the peninsula, as well as keep its relationship with the U.S. healthy. And wouldn’t it be nice to bring home the more than 30,000 military personnel in Korea?
Original thought and a much more elegant presentation by Anatol Lieven. Check out his new book with John Hulsman titled Ethical Realism: A Vision for America’s Role in the World.