Stronger U.S.-ROK ties have aggravated tensions with the DPRK, and the situation has deteriorated further since the ROK’s new president assumed office. In the North’s eyes, America’s maximum pressure approach excludes any possibility for meaningful dialogue.

The thought of full-blown war with China has become mainstream in the aftermath of Russia’s Ukraine invasion. A potent mix of simmering animosity and economic concerns have created a heated climate that both sides need to take a step back from before the U.S. or China falls victim to the intoxicating pull of escalation.

The DPRK places Northeast Asia at risk, and their current military trajectory could pose problems for the PRC as well as the U.S. and its allies. So despite their fundamental differences, it’s in the best interests of both Washington and Beijing to find opportunities to cooperate to promote regional stability.

The U.S. and South Korea continue to look for ways to address the challenges with North Korea, while hoping for the involvement of China. Yet, China is unlikely to get involved unless its interests are also met in the process.

After Trump drastically shifted the U.S. approach to North Korea, the Biden administration’s policy seems to be more aligned with the previous decades of stalemated isolation of the small nation. A new approach could normalize relations and stabilize security concerns in Asia.

With the United States maintaining a hostile stance, the DPRK faces a bleak choice: either capitulate to U.S. nuclear and missile demands or try to unnerve the U.S. with a show of force. It is likely to try the latter first.

The new year does not look promising for an understanding on Korean issues as U.S.-China tensions persist. Stronger cooperation and coordination is needed to ensure certain peace and stability.

North Korea has presented an issue to both China and the U.S. since the ceasefire halted the Korean War in 1953. Though both nations share common security interests regarding the Hermit Kingdom, the desired outcome may drive a wedge between them.

The termination of the U.S.-South Korea’s Revised Missile Guidelines signals a new phase in two countries’ relations, further complicating China’s role on the Korean Peninsula.

Although bilateral relations face many difficulties this year, it’s possible — so long as the DPRK and the ROK understand and respect each other — to seize strategic opportunities for a new phase of reconciliation and cooperation. In that case, the re-emergence of the Peninsula Spring may be expected.