North Korea's Reliance on China and China's Influence on North Korea

North Korea's economic reliance on China has been increasing recently. China is certainly North Korea's most important partner of political collaboration and international mediator. The international community is paying close attention to the possibility that China may bring North Korea under its outright control. It is certain that North Korea's reliance on China will deepen further if its economic difficulties worsen or if there is a crisis in the regime. While the expansion of North Korea-China economic relations may trigger a positive change in North Korea, it might have a negative impact on the development of inter-Korea relations and the settlement of issues related to North Korea's nuclear program.