It’s in China’s best interest to rein in a nuclearised North Korea

Despite China’s professed commitment to stability on the Korean peninsula, its tolerance of North Korea’s nuclear programme undermines these claims, leading to criticism that China lacks credibility when advocating for strategic cooperation with the US or discussing security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.

Considering that India and Pakistan have attained the status of de facto nuclear-armed states with just three and two tests respectively, a seventh North Korean nuclear test would present a challenge that surpasses the capabilities of those two countries.

Some hawkish experts argue that if North Korea’s nuclear arsenal grows rapidly to a point where deterrence is unavoidable, pre-emptive strikes or decapitation operations should not be ruled out.

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North Korea holds live-fire drills as US Secretary of State Blinken attends Seoul democracy summit

Concerns have already been raised in China about the risks of radiation leaks and earthquakes being more severe than anticipated should North Korea conduct a seventh nuclear test.

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North Korea, China vow to deepen ties as Pyongyang conducts new missile tests

Meanwhile, the results of radiation exposure tests conducted by the South Korean government on 10 defectors from Punggye-ri indicate significantly elevated radiation levels, with five of them exhibiting a degree of severity that suggests genetic mutations.

Since the sixth nuclear test, more than 40 natural earthquakes have occurred in an area previously devoid of seismic activity, heightening the risk of ground collapse. South Korean media has aired geological reports suggesting an imminent eruption of Mount Paektu, intensifying concerns that North Korea’s seventh nuclear test could accelerate volcanic activity.

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