The policy of the United States favors stability in North Asia. In particular, the U.S. has no interest in replacing the government of North Korea. We hope that peaceful evolution may bring a relaxation of tensions, although of course we remain ready to defend ourselves and our allies if necessary.
However, it is possible that by its internal dynamics, the government of North Korea may disintegrate. In that case, we favor the reintegration of North and South Korea. Our major security concern in this eventuality would be to ensure that North Korea's nuclear weapons do not fall into irresponsible hands. To this end, we propose that U.S. and Chinese special forces collaborate in swiftly securing these weapons. It is not a particular concern of ours whether the bulk of those weapons are in U.S. or Chinese hands. Both countries now have such weapons, and our militaries are used to handling them responsibly. We should quietly prepare for this contingency should our policy of peaceful reduction of tensions fail.
If the government of North Korea collapses, the first issue we would anticipate would be to prevent mass starvation. We would be ready to assist in coping with this situation, and would hope that China and others would also.
In the longer term, a reunited Korea would have enormous internal issues to deal with. This process would, we anticipate, be much more difficult than the reintegration of West and East Germany. As this process unfolds, US military forces would stay where they are. As Korea stabilizes, the time may come when the Korean government no longer feels that it needs the reassurance of American troops stationed there. In that case, the U.S. will, of course, withdraw those troops. In no case will US troops be anywhere near the Yalu River.
Stability is in the interests of both China and the United States. However, wise planning suggests that a North Korean collapse might happen. If it does, the desirability of contingency plans to restore stability and to prevent adding to instability, suggests that China and the United States should discuss their mutual interests.