If China did not have Deng Xiaoping espousing reforms in the late 1970s (he was careful not to stress political reforms after the Mao-era “Gang of Four” had been disposed of), it is not unlikely that it may have ended up as a giant North Korea — a Communist dictatorship with a certified nuclear weapons programme and gargantuan problems of hunger, and much else. The latter too can potentially have its Deng moment, if history should take a turn after the passing on Saturday of dynastic leader Kim Jong-il (announced to the world only two days later), if the rest of the world — principally the United States — does not botch it and inadvertently extend Pyongyang’s prolonged isolation by making impossible demands on it.
India may just about have a small role here. Occasioning surprise not long ago, Indian diplomats in the North Korean capital were permitted to visit the countryside in connection with India’s contribution to the World Food Programme that was to be distributed in rural areas. Not too much should be made of this, as Pyongyang is firmly in Beijing’s sphere of influence, and it is said to be a core principle of Chinese foreign policy to maintain a divided Korean peninsula. Which means that China’s hold on its Communist neighbour is pretty all-pervasive. Nevertheless, New Delhi can endeavour to keep alive an independent line to Pyongyang under the 28-year old Kim Jong-un, who succeeded his deceased father just a few days ago.