Answer:
China's interest in Korea dates back to ancient times, with the two cultures sharing a long history of political and cultural exchanges. However, in more recent times, China's desire to exert control over Korea was driven by strategic and geopolitical considerations. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Korea was known as the "Hermit Kingdom" due to its isolationist policies, which kept it closed off from the rest of the world. This made it a prime target for imperial powers seeking to expand their territories and influence in the region. Japan was one such power, and in 1905, it forced Korea to sign a treaty that made it a protectorate of Japan. This move threatened China's strategic interests, as it put Japan in a position to control the Korean Peninsula and potentially use it as a base to launch further attacks on China.
In addition to these strategic considerations, China's interest in Korea was also driven by cultural and historical ties. Korea was heavily influenced by Chinese culture and language, and Chinese scholars saw it as a cultural extension of their own country. Chinese leaders also saw Korea as a potential buffer zone against Western powers seeking to expand their influence in Asia.
In summary, China's desire to take control over Korea was driven by a combination of strategic, geopolitical, and cultural considerations. While China was ultimately unsuccessful in its attempts to exert control over Korea, its historical ties and influence in the region continue to shape the relationship between the two countries to this day.