China's View of the North Korean Purge

The execution of Jang Song Thaek, the uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is relevant primarily to the North Korean regime's internal security. However, it could mark a clear directive to purge officials who have allied themselves more closely with China than with the interests of the state, and it could be a warning to Beijing about Pyongyang's long-term effort to reduce its heavy reliance on China.

Pyongyang cannot wean itself from China entirely, as its history demonstrates. But China's leaders face the same geopolitical challenge their predecessors did: reining in China's northeast neighbor. A stable and neutral North Korean regime is the very least that Beijing can accept. However, China has seen its needs subordinated to North Korea's pursuit of its own security and economic interests beyond Beijing's control.