Abstract
This article investigates China’s current relations with North Korea to argue that North Korea’s slow reforms bring gain aid from China and sympathy from the US. A review of Chinese statements about the North Korean 2006 nuclear tests indicates change toward North Korea as China transforms from Maoist radicalism to Dengist hyper-pragmatism. The previously symbiotic Sino-North Korean relationship as co-pariahs in the international community changes with new attitudes towards South Korea and difficulties with Kim Jong Il. Additionally, North Korea threatens Chinese interests through their weapons program, and the threats of political & economic collapse. Chinese interests now require a two-pronged approach to draw North Korea closer and still hold North Korea accountable to the UN.