China
18:44, 04-May-2018
Expert addresses DPRK economic development and China's role in the country's security
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By CGTN's World Insight
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart, and the country's top leader, on a recent visit to Pyongyang. The trip comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity on the peninsula. During this visit, Wang Yi talked about two things: what role is China going to play in DPRK's economic development and what security they will provide in the future?
On CGTN's World Insight, Shen Dingli, a professor from the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, shared his thoughts on the two questions.
02:19
In terms of economic development, Shen said that China has a lot to give, giving the Belt and Road Initiative as an example, "we can help Pyongyang build airports, seaports, roads, and highways that will help North Korea (DPRK) boost its infrastructure and economic recovery."
In terms of security, Shen speculated on the DPRK's security concerns. "North Korea (DPRK) may feel uncertain, or abandoned like Libya after they removed their nuclear program. Because the West or NATO may attempt to change their government's structure."
Just a few days ago, the US said it would use the Libya model on the DPRK. The Libya model refers to when Libya's government was toppled over, so Shen posits that the DPRK would be concerned about this prospect. However, Shen said China will protect the DPRK, "China might say to them don't worry, we will work with the US, we will not allow the US to attack you."
“China should play a major role in this crucial stage in assuring the DPRK will have the courage and no concerns over its abandonment of all its nuclear weapon, "said Shen.
World Insight with Tian Wei is a 45-minute global affairs and debate show on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 10:15 p.m. BJT (1415GMT), with rebroadcasts at 4:15 a.m. BJT (2015GMT).