The graphic below shows the military power of China, North Korea, South Korea and Japan. North Korea has a population of 24 million and an active military force of about 1.2 million. China which has a population of over 1.3 billion has just 2.2 million active military personnel. North Korea has a strong military since the country focuses on defense then civilian economy. As a result, its military is strong but perennially has economic woes and civilians suffer even to access basic necessities such as food. On the other hand, in a perverse sense its strong military also ensures hostilities do not break out shattering the fragile peace now holding in the region for many decades.
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Source: North Korea crisis: Which country has the strongest military in the region?, Deutsche Welle
