It’s quite an interesting time to be studying North Korea to say the least. With the actions of North Korea and so much information in the news, it has been quite difficult to wade through all the analysis, speculation, and rumour surrounding everything from succession to nuclear proliferation. A lot of the analysis speak of China’s role in this international issue. Whether one believes China has a significant, but difficult role to play in this affair is up to different shades of interpretation, however the NKRG thought it would be interesting to find out what some Chinese students in Beijing thought of the matter.

NKRG alumni, Michael Miller is presently in China and he asked a few students at a private English College in Beijing on their thoughts of the recent events that transpired in North Korea. No articles or materials were provided beforehand. All comments are limited by what students knew from their own reading and research.

L, 28

In my opinion, I think every country has the right to develop its own technology and makes its country stronger, because no one wants to be bullied by others. However, everything brings good aspects and bad aspects. First of all, nuclear security is a big issue. Make sure it is used safely, otherwise, the Chernobyl disaster will happen again, and the destruction will last for a very long time and no one can solve it. The other way is to use it in high technology that benefits our lives, don’t use it for fighting, because we don’t want World War III.

A, 22

I heard the news on TV. I think it is ok. I will support our government. I am only concerned about the safety of the people around South Korea. I hope they can use nuclear power correctly.

T, 24

In my opinion, what North Korea did matters a lot. According to the information I’ve heard, I think we should criticize them. I’m not sure what measures we should take, but when they fire missiles, I think they might have their own selfish purposes. It will do harm to humans some day. Therefore, we should stop it.

M, 24

Although I am not very familiar with this event now, I think it’s a bad action. I don’t support it. It’s not only causing anxiety among common people both inside and outside the country but also makes their country even poorer. If the government can use this money to develop their economy, it must be a better choice. Even though they had success, they also can’t surpass other developed countries. If they continue, they might cause a war and I don’t think they’ll win.

E, 37

As a Chinese citizen, I support our government’s opinion that the problem should be solved in a peaceful way, by talking and negotiating. We can also help the people in North Korea by war but I still think that peace is definitely better than war. Furthermore, if the problem can’t be solved by a peaceful way I hope the war won’t ruin the common people’s lives in North Korea. Try to use some measures by which the government of N. Korea will be destroyed as soon as possible, for instance, suicide bombing or assassinating the president. After the war, the Western countries, for example America and Canada, can give more help to build up a democracy society in North Korea.

P, 23

I wasn’t shocked by the news and I really don’t think it’s any of our business. I want to know what is going on but I don’t have an opinion. Every country has its right to do things that are good for themselves. I believe our government can make the best decision for us for everything. The nuclear experiment is wrong, but a country which wants to make themselves look strong can be understood.

K, 24

During the war, China helped North Korea a lot. So, I don’t think North Korea will threaten China, but nuclear weapons create a lot of pollution in North Korea and China’s provinces near North Korea. The government of North Korea should consider their people and neighboring country. In another aspect, North Korea wants to threaten other countries. China doesn’t want to see any fighting or war. So we will object to the country which destroys peace in the world.

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