Denuclearization-Peace Regime on the Korean Peninsula: How Should ROK and China Cooperate?

In this paper, we explore key elements of President Moon Jae-in’s policy on the Korean Peninsula and provide a conceptual framework and diplomatic roadmap for denuclearization and peace. Next, we perform a keyword extraction analysis of China’s People’s Daily and People’s Daily Overseas Edition to identify the objectives, pathway, role identity, and position of the Chinese government in the nuclear negotiations since the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Our research finds the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, protection of peace and stability, and establishment of a peace regime as constituting China’s main objectives. Dialogue and negotiation, political resolution, a double suspension and dual track approach, and international cooperation are suggested as pathways. China affirms its commitment to playing a constructive, active, unique, and responsible great power role on the Peninsula and suggests U.S.-DPRK dialogue and engagement as the primary vehicle to achieve peace, supplemented by inter-Korean reconciliation. Based on our findings, we address some key differences in perception and position between South Korea and China toward denuclearization and a peace regime. Finally, we offer prospects for bilateral crisis management and mechanisms for South Korea-China cooperation.