But achieving diplomatic deterrence will depend on China’s cooperation, and this requires that China’s vital national-security interests be recognized. China fears not only the social and economic consequences of a North Korean implosion, but also the strategic consequences of reunification – in particular, that the US military, through its alliance with South Korea, would gain access to territory on its border.
首要选择是通过外交手段遏制进一步挑衅。但中国的合作是实现外交威慑的必要条件，前提是必须承认中国的关键国家安全利益。中国所担心的不仅是朝鲜爆炸的社会经济后果，还有朝韩统一的战略后果——尤其是美军藉由美韩联盟控制对中朝边境领土进行控制。