Dr. Sungmin Cho, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, presented research during a program organized by The Korea Society. The research analyzed Chinese texts focusing on North Korea’s regime stability, the country’s uncertain future, and the potential unification of the Korean Peninsula. The research encompasses a review of 62 Chinese journal articles and 29 expert commentaries written by Chinese scholars. Cho explains how examining the writings of Chinese civilian scholars helps decipher Chinese strategic thinking despite censorship. Cho also provides an analytic framework for Beijing’s cost-benefit calculus regarding the potential unification of the Korean Peninsula, aiming to empower policymakers in Washington and Seoul to develop a more informed understanding and strategy.

The Korea Society is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization. Its programs revolve around public policy, business, education, intercultural relations, and the arts. Based in New York City, The Korea Society collaborates with organizations in the U.S. and Korea.

Dr. Sungmin Cho is a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) in Honolulu. The views expressed are those of the author alone and do not represent the official policy of the DKI APCSS, the U.S. Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.