Conflict and Chaos on the Korean Peninsula: Can China’s Military Help Secure North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons?

Published: Fall 2018

Visitors walk across the Yalu River Broken Bridge, right, next to the Friendship Bridge connecting China and North Korea in Dandong in northeastern China's Liaoning province.

Summary

North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is one of the most vexing security challenges facing the United States. What would happen to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons if the North Korean regime collapsed? China’s military could play a vital role in securing or destroying nuclear weapons in North Korea.

Recommended citation

Oriana Skylar Mastro, "Conflict and Chaos on the Korean Peninsula: Can China’s Military Help Secure North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons?" International Security Vol. 43, No. 2 (Fall 2018), pp. 84–116, doi:10.1162/ISEC_a_00330.