South Korea and China Brace Themselves In The Face Of Uncertainty After Jang Song Thaek's Execution

The United States is not the only country deeply troubled by North Korea's execution of its leader's uncle, Jang Song Thaek. In the face of uncertainty, South Korea and China are now keeping a watchful eye on its unpredictable neighbor.

"The government is closely monitoring the series of incidents, which are happening in North Korea, with deep concerns, Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Eui-do said in a televised statement, Xinhuanet.com, a Chinese news company, reported.

After Jang's execution, the South Korean government held a national security policy meeting with defense ministers and intelligence officials. Kim Eui-do said they will seek council with allies and other countries to help prepare for any outcome, Xinhuanet.com reported.

For China, Jang was the country's main connection to power in North Korea, The Washington Post reported. Jang was an important connection to the administration of Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, who was a supporter of Chinese reforms.

Jang's execution leaves China questioning North Korea's future economic and nuclear disarmament policies. China's next move most likely depends on whether or not Kim Jong Un's regime will collapse.

"It's like when you have a gas leak. You want to be very, very careful not to set off any sparks," Jingdong Yuan, a northeast Asian security expert at the University of Sydney, told The Washington Post.

On the other hand, China is making plans to prepare for a regime collapse that could put nuclear plants at risk and send scores of North Korean refugees into China, The Washington Post reported.

"This is not a welcome development as far as China is concerned," Yuan told The Washington Post.

Jang was executed after a military court trial found him guilty of plotting to overthrow his nephew from power and leading a depraved lifestyle, North Korea announced Friday morning. Jang admitted at the trial that he was planning a coup against Kim Jong Un, Xinhuanet.com reported.

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