Why China-North Korea relations are more complex than ever
China's relations with its fickle communist neighbour are complex, with policymaking heavily influenced by the party and the PLA, say analysts
Given the high level of secrecy that has long surrounded Beijing's foreign policy, diplomats and China-watchers have traditionally looked to the country's foreign affairs establishments for hints on its decision-making.
South Korean diplomats in Beijing privately complain that while they maintain good, effective working relations with their Chinese counterparts on various issues, consultations on North Korean-related affairs often go nowhere.
In response, Chinese diplomats argue the relationship with North Korea is a special and more complex one, and the foreign ministry has to consult a greater number of departments.
Officially, China's foreign policy is conducted through an established four-tier hierarchy.
At the top, the president heads the central leading group on foreign affairs. Then comes the premier, followed by a vice-premier (or state councillor with a foreign affairs portfolio) and finally the foreign minister.
"What I can say is that the policymaking towards North Korea is far more complicated and complex than any other area of foreign affairs," said a Chinese diplomat.
