1. Korea & China Relations By: Harrison & Chloe

2. Past Relations  The Chinese colonized Korea in the 12 th century BCE, during the Han Dynasty.  There was a war in 109 BCE that established Korea as China’s largest province.  The Mongols invaded both China and Korea in the 13 th century and established the Yuan Dynasty.  When the Mongols fell, China’s Ming Dynasty was a lot closer in trade and diplomatic relationships, they both shared Confucian ideals.

3. Past Relations (Continued)  The Mings also assisted Korea when they were invaded.  After the Ming Dynasty fell, the Qing Dynasty had to give up a lot of its land to western colonial powers.  During this time, Japan became a major eastern power.  Korea got its independence from China soon after its revolution in 1894.

4. Past Relations (Continued)  Japan annexed Korea into their growing empire in 1910, lessening their relations with China.  China aided Korea in its quest to rebel against Japan.  Eventually, China helped declare Korea free from Japanese rule.

5. Current Relations (North Korea)  China supported North Korea during the Korean War.  After the war China sent resources to North Korea to help North Korea rebuild.  China then became recognized allies with North Korea in an event of a future war.  China’s relations were good, until North Korea started testing nuclear weapons and since then, tension has been building between the two countries, however they remain allies.

6. Current Relations (South Korea)  China opposed South Korea during the Korean War.  The two countries remained hostile during the years right after the Korean War.  There were no relations between the two countries during the Cold War because they each backed a different side.  In 1975, China and South Korea began indirect trade because of proximity and economic needs.

7. Current Relations (South Korea)  Trade between the two countries has increased recently, however, relations remain tense due to China being an ally of North Korea.  In 2013, China extended their air defense program into South Korean territory, semi- lessening their relations.