This thesis examines the geostrategic contexts that influence China’s policy
decisions to not recognize North Korean escapees in China as refugees. Due to
China’s unwillingness to recognize the rights of North Korean escapees, the
international community criticizes China for its violations of international refugee
laws. However, public censure has failed to persuade China to reconsider its
treatment of North Korean escapees. This thesis argues that the complicated
diplomatic relationships and entangled national interests between China, North
Korea, and other concerned countries has resulted in the Chinese government not
recognizing North Koreans in China as refugees. The author contends that rather
than merely condemning or taking a hardline policy against China, the other states
that want China to comply with refugee laws should maintain a dialogue and pursue
cooperation to solve this refugee problem. Chapter 1 defines important terms
regarding the North Korean refugee crisis and provides relevant background
information. Chapter 2 analyzes conflicting views about this issue among key
members of the international community such as the Statute of Office of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), North Korea and China.
Chapter 3 illustrates China’s violations of international human rights laws while
maintaining regional security and its economic benefits, despite international
criticism. Chapters 4 to 6 demonstrate where the United States, South Korea, and
China, respectively, stand on this issue in a geopolitical context. Along with literature
from the west regarding China’s violations, this thesis incorporates China’s
perspective based on literature from Korea and China to present more diverse
perspectives on this matter. A new term to describe this particular group of North
Koreans in China is proposed and used throughout this thesis: “North Korean
Escapees in China (NKEC),” with consideration of their unique situation. This thesis
hopes to speak on behalf of the many voiceless NKEC, and increase awareness
among the international community of the deplorable situations that NKEC have to
endure.International Relations and Global Studie
