Memo #23
Mike Chinoy
In this exclusive 4-part interview at the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia, Mr. Mike Chinoy speaks about the divisions on North Korea among the Chinese leadership. Kim Jong Il has refused to adopt Chinese-style economic reform and has even pursued nuclear capability. But as the Chinese government fears instability in Northeast Asia, maintenance of the status quo in North Korea is important.
Next, Mr. Chinoy analyzes Kim Jong Il’s visit to Beijing in late August. The visit sent strong signals that China and North Korea still maintain close relations. Mr. Chinoy discusses why former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was in Pyongyang while Kim Jong Il was in Beijing. Mr. Carter met with North Korean officials during his visit, hinting at a strong desire for North Korea to reengage with the United States even though Mr. Carter did not visit as a representative of the Obama administration. Lastly, Mr. Chinoy admits that much needs to happen before the stalled six-party talks can resume. But he sees the most recent developments as being positive steps.
About the Interviewee:
Mike Chinoy is the former Senior Asia Correspondent at CNN. Currently, he is a Senior Fellow at the U.S. – China Institute at the University of Southern California (USC).
Part 1 – How do Chinese leaders view North Korea?
Part 2 – What did Kim Jong Il’s visit to China in August produce?
Part 3 – Jimmy Carter was in Pyongyang while Kim Jong Il was in Beijing. Why?
Part 4 – Will the six-party talks resume?
Links:
- Meltdown: The Inside Story of the North Korea Nuclear Crisis, Book by Mike Chinoy, October 2009
- China Live: People Power and the Television Revolution, Book by Mike Chinoy, 1999
Related Memos:
- Our other Memos about China, North Korea, and the United States