An Analysis of Jacob Stokes’ Argument on China and Korea

Summary of Jacob Stokes’ Argument

Subsequent disagreements and efforts at peace between the United States and China and North Korea have resulted in the formulation of strategies by the U.S. government. North Korea’s involvement in this disagreement between United States and China powers stems from their involvement in the foreign and security affairs with China. Additionally, United States has been trying to resolve conflict, and for many years been at war with China in the Korean Peninsula. After years of North Korea and China having threats and leverage over each other, two heads of state namely Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un affirmed their agreement to a peace negotiation made years ago, which did not entirely erase the conflict between the nations, but was followed by reduced adherence to the U.N.’s sanctions of China on North Korea. Due to this alliance, China was involved in the tension between U.S. and North Korea, asking the government to reduce its sanctions against North Korea. The United States government under Joe Biden’s leadership has declared its willingness to exert pressure or have diplomatic negotiations with both countries. Washington’s strategies include applying pressure on both states, engaging both states in peaceful negotiations and applying pressure on one state while exerting pressure on the other.

Considering the strategies by the U.S. government against North Korea and China, Jacob Stokes makes recommendations that may make the alliances and negotiations seem more possible. He suggests that the U.S.-China relations should be revised where the U.S. government should understand that the compartmentalization of China and North Korea is impossible since they have had agreements in the past. Additionally, the United States could improve its relations and strengthen its coalition with South Korea, to bring more allies to its side and reduce the chances of forming future enemies. As they do this, they could continue peaceful negotiations with North Korea and China to reduce their nuclear wars disagreements. The United States could declare an end of war, not as a peace treaty but assurance that war tension against North Korea and China is over. Another strategy employed could be geared towards empowering nations such as South Korea to build their nuclear arsenals by employing technicians to understand North Korea’s arsenal. This would also reduce fear in Japan and South Korea, allowing both countries to have powers of their own. Lastly, U.S. could continually engage South Korea, although discreetly on South Korea’s engagements with China regarding the Peninsula. Therefore, Jacob Stokes’ arguments are based on the impracticability of U.S. government strategies and could reduce the U.S.-China tension.