During U.S. President Joe Biden’s state visit with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and the upcoming trilateral summit involving the Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., China is focusing on its own partnerships. On April 8, the same day Kishida arrived in Washington, D.C., Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov began a two-day trip to Beijing. On April 11, as Biden, Kishida, and Marcos convene at the White House, China is sending its third-ranking leader to North Korea.
Despite China’s assertions that the China-Russia relationship is not directed at third parties, countering the United States was the implicit theme of Lavrov’s visit. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the need for both countries to oppose unilateralism and hegemonism. Washington is the primary target of China’s accusations of unilateralism and hegemonism.
Mao specifically pointed out the opportunity for coordination and strategic collaboration on multilateral platforms between China and Russia given Russia’s presidency of the BRICS group and China’s presidency of the SCO later this year. Although not a formal alliance, the relationship between China and Russia has been described as reaching an “unprecedented high level” in recent years.
During Lavrov’s talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the comparison was made to the Cold War military alliance, indicating the strength of current ties between the two countries. Lavrov also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss cooperation on the international stage and promote a shared future for mankind.
While North Korean issues were not mentioned in official Chinese statements, discussions on approaches to North Korea may have taken place between Wang and Lavrov in light of the upcoming visit by Politburo Standing Committee member Zhao Leji. The visit aims to deepen bilateral ties and foster friendship between China and North Korea.
Zhao’s visit to North Korea signifies an increased engagement by China with Pyongyang, potentially indicating a trilateral partnership with Russia to counter the United States’ regional alliances. Analysts speculate on the strategic implications of closer ties between China, Russia, and North Korea.
As diplomatic exchanges between Russia and North Korea intensify, China’s slower approach has raised questions about its reluctance to fully engage with Pyongyang. The potential benefits of a partnership with North Korea for China remain uncertain, especially in advancing its international goals and economic interests. Zhao’s visit could signal a shift in Beijing’s approach towards North Korea and a possible trilateral arrangement with Russia.