[darrellmaurina]

As we all know, “saving face” is crucial for Asians.

I’m wondering why this was publicized by China? (I assume not by the North Koreans.) The only things I can think of are

1) that the Chinese got so upset that they decided to try to publicly embarrass the North Koreans since nothing else worked, or

2) the Chinese are sick and tired of the North Koreans and intend to tell the world how bad they’ve been treated by their supposed “ally” in preparation for taking some sort of strong action against the North Koreans.

Your thoughts?

[TigerLikesRooster]

My guess is:

China is hoping that the first move would shape up N. Korea, with some other pressure behind the scene. NK gov. may be able to punish those involved in this particular incident, but not stop this general trend without risking serious internal conflict. Then China has to think about the second move, which may well be very risky and costly. I don't think Chicom is on the verge of making the second move yet.

[Tainan]

comments:
#1 - Maybe so - but it will not work, The Norks are too insular and at this point in the game are impervious to outside criticism. Even the new kid in power has to run things according to established internal dictates. He may be the new ruler; but he still has to work with the power system that has been built up.
#2 - This appears to have been the case for several years now. Problem is, there is such a power grid that has built up along the northern China border, the one with NorKoLand, that rocking the boat and cracking down will now cause a major economic and political uproar.

The PRC/CCP is undergoing some serious internal shifting right now and, as mentioned, "saving face" is at a major level among the ever-dwindling party comrades.

Just my 2 bit analysis.