China is North Korea's most important ally; biggest trading partner; and main source of food, arms, and fuel. China has helped sustain Kim Jong-Il's regime and opposed harsh international economic sanctions in the hope of avoiding regime collapse and an uncontrolled influx of refugees across its eight-hundred-mile border with North Korea. After Pyongyang tested a nuclear weapon in October 2006, experts say that China has reconsidered the nature of its alliance to include both pressure and inducements. North Korea's second nuclear test in May 2009 further complicated its relationship with China, which has played a central role in the Six Party Talks, the multilateral framework aimed at denuclearizing North Korea.

The West's support for South Korea has paid off handsomely for both the citizens of the South with a much higher standard of living over their Northern Counter parts as well as economically for South Koreans and all foreign investors.

ASIA NEWS
November 30, 2009

South Korea's Capital City Won't Move
President's Decision to Leave Government in Seoul Prompts Sharp Criticism From Both Liberal and Conservative Politicians

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By EVAN RAMSTAD

SEOUL -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's decision not to split the national government by moving a portion from Seoul to a new city in the middle of the country is facing a backlash from lawmakers in both liberal and conservative parties.

2 July 2012 Last updated at 05:45 ET
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South Korea opens 'mini capital' in Sejong City
File photo: Sejong City, south of Seoul South Korea's Sejong City is located 120km (75 miles) from Seoul
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South Korea has inaugurated a "mini capital" designed to act as a new government hub south of the main capital, Seoul.

Sejong City, 120km (75 miles) from Seoul, was to become the new capital, but a high court ruled this to be illegal.

Moving some government offices there is a way of spreading economic benefits and easing congestion, proponents say.

But critics argue that the move will only result in inefficiency.

The initial proposal to make Sejong City South Korea's new capital was made in 2002, but the Constitutional Court rejected this in 2004.

At least 36 government agencies and offices are scheduled to transfer to Sejong City by 2015. Thousands of civil servants are expected to make the move there over the next few years.

But key offices like the president's office, and the defence and foreign ministries, are to remain in Seoul.

Aside from the economic benefits, Sejong City is also seen as a good security move because it is further away from the border with North Korea.

"There are worries that the division of central government bodies can cause inefficiency," Prime Minister Kim Hwang-Sik was quoted by Agence France-Presse news agency as saying.

"We will try hard to quell such concerns and to forge a good balance and co-ordination among the agencies."

One government official interviewed by the BBC's Lucy Williamson, however, complained that the relocation would mean a two-hour drive back to Seoul for meetings.