China tries to bring the two Koreas closer together

Since 2016 there were no official contacts between the two Koreas, the interruption, due to respective stiffening, had created the crescendo of tension, which then expanded to other international actors in the region. Apart from the concomitance of the upcoming Winter Olympics, which will take place in South Korea, behind the resumption of contacts between Seoul and Pyongyang, one can not but glimpse the Chinese role, which is the largest country interested in regional stability. For Beijing both the hypothesis of a reunification of the two Koreas, and the state of permanent tension, represent a constant concern, in a part of the world too close to its borders. For a long time the impression was that even China, although it was the only nation close to North Korea, was unable to have a positive influence on Pyonyang, to limit its nuclear action. This was, presumably, due to possible attempts by Beijing to overthrow the regime in command of the country, which then culminated in a fierce repression of Kim Jong-un. Even if you do not have the certainty it is undeniable that there was a cooling period between the two countries, the reason for which was not official. Despite this it is always preferable for China that the two Koreas are separated and that the northern one, in some way, falls under Chinese influence, to avoid a reunification where the richest South Korea, traditionally allied, would have the best of the United States. What Beijing wants to avoid is to have the US military directly on its borders. This status quo, which is not convenient for North Korean citizens, allows us to avoid a great tension between China and the USA, which could have a dangerous evolution. A further, but far from secondary, reason is the need for China to keep shipping lines as safe as possible and to prevent the nuclear issue from engaging a major US military presence in the region, as requested by Seoul and Tokyo. A lowering of the tension with North Korea, although temporary and uncertain, could allow, in a period of détente, the restart of the talks with Seoul and also to open a new phase with the USA, eventuality towards which also the US Secretary of State has expressed his availability. Everything must start from the resumption of the talks between the two Koreas, as the main premise to allow the development of negotiations with Pyongyang. The correct approach is undoubtedly to involve North Korea, without further isolating it, in peaceful negotiations that seek to reduce, in a consensual way, the atomic danger. Of course we must always keep in mind the low reliability of the North Korean regime, but the tightening of sanctions has caused great internal difficulties, which have contributed to raising the level of tension and the increase in threats by Kim Jong-un. Probably, from the political point of view, what is most suffering in Pyongyang is the same isolation in which the regime has thrown the country: the change in the general situation and the contingent situation of the North Korean nation makes this international isolation felt, especially that caused from sanctions, as imposed by external forces; on the other hand, one of Pyongyang's ambitions is to be officially recognized as a nuclear power through an official negotiation with the United States. In this re-opening phase, the role of South Korea and China appears to be essential in a direct way, precisely because of the need to keep an open channel of dialogue open with Pyongyang, but the role of the United States, if properly interpreted, will not be less important, because it will be essential not to fall into any North Korean provocations to try to keep a low profile and thus allow the advance of negotiations. Probably it may be necessary to grant something to Pyongyang, but to be able to resume contacts with North Korea, at this time it appears to be well beyond the regional borders.