摘要
Active Participation in the international management of the second Korean nuclear crisis represents a milestone in New China＇s diplomatic record -- a departure from a hands-off principle toward international controversies observed for more than half a century with few occasions of meddling in external tangles on its own initiative. Even more so was the case since the country launched the reform and open- ing-up program. Late top leader Deng Xiaoping warned against thro- wing weight about in wantonly criticizing or blaming others, （1） especially interfering with the business of other countries. （2） In line with this stance, China generally refrained from direct engagement in international crisis with no exception even for the first Korean nuclear crisis in 1994. But no longer so for the second one that broke out in October 2002. Beijing has been playing an active role in the crisis ever since then.
Focusing on China’s policy toward the Korean nuclear issue since the outbreak of the second crisis, this article traces Beijing’s active involvement to lingering emotional attachment left over from the past, multiple state interests related to its security, political and economic concerns and its unshirkable international obligations. China’s insistence on a nuclear-free peninsula sought through a peaceful, multilateral settlement in opposition to provoking tension in the face of formidable difficulties has led to five rounds of six-party-talks under its auspices. This has eased the tension there through agreement of parties concerned on the principles for a peaceful settlement aimed at denuclearization — a diplomatic achievement winning worldwide acclaim. Along with further developments there, China needs to adjust its policy accordingly in response to the changing situation. Even so, it will still adhere to the principles noted above in an unswerving pursuit for a peaceful settlement through the Six-Party Talks.
