Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to North Korea was a rare occurrence, marking only his second trip to the country during his 24 years in power. During the visit, the two leaders signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, including a clause for mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either country.
The increasing ties between Russia and North Korea have raised concerns in the United States about the potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine and security in the Korean Peninsula.
The closer relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has also created uncertainty in Beijing. Despite being North Korea’s neighbor, economic partner, and formal ally, China’s relations with North Korea are not as close as one might expect.
A recent joint statement by South Korea, Japan, and China during their trilateral summit was met with criticism from North Korea, seen as a rare rebuke against China. This move by Pyongyang, along with other provocative actions, has caused tensions in the region.
After reaching a low point in 2017, China-North Korea relations began to improve following a meeting between Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un. However, their relationship is not as strong as it once was, and recent developments have complicated the dynamics in the region.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other international concerns, Beijing has refrained from commenting on the evolving situation between Russia and North Korea. The Chinese media has instead blamed the United States for driving Russia and North Korea closer together, leading to increased security risks in the region.
As tensions escalate, the United States has strengthened its military cooperation with South Korea and Japan, further complicating the situation in the region. China’s reluctance to intervene may have consequences for its own strategic interests in the long run.
With the help of Russia, North Korea is enhancing its nuclear capabilities, which could lead to a stronger response from the United States. This could potentially lead to the formation of an “Asian NATO” targeting China, increasing the pressure on Beijing to take a stronger stance.
As China balances its priorities in the region, the evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia poses a challenge. Striving for peace and stability while dealing with the nuclear ambitions of North Korea has put China in a difficult position.
Amidst the shifting geopolitics, China is wary of potential alliances forming against it and is focused on improving relations with South Korea and Japan to counterbalance U.S. influence. However, the disruptive actions of North Korea complicate China’s efforts to create a more cooperative environment in Northeast Asia.
Despite the economic and diplomatic support China provides to North Korea, their relationship remains complex. North Korea’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran further complicate China’s balancing act in the region as it navigates changing alliances and power dynamics.