The strengthening defense ties between Russia and North Korea are causing significant concern for China, according to various analysts. Edward Howell, an Oxford University lecturer and a Korea Foundation fellow at Chatham House, conveyed to Newsweek that Beijing is likely anxious about the deepening relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, especially regarding the potential supply of arms from Russia to North Korea. This concern stems from the fact that China has long viewed itself as North Korea's primary ally, with a mutual defense treaty dating back to 1961.

 

 

During a recent visit to Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, pledging military assistance to each other if attacked. This visit marked Putin's first trip to North Korea in 24 years. The defense pact has been condemned by the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which issued a joint statement labeling it a "grave concern to anyone with an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

 

Howell suggests that China is taking a cautious approach. On one side, Beijing aims to disrupt the alliances between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, and any increasing cooperation among them, which is likely to strengthen due to the closer ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. On the other hand, China is wary of Russia's relationship with North Korea becoming too close, as it does not want to be excluded from any significant foreign policy decisions made by North Korea. Howell emphasizes that China has a vested interest in the stability of the Korean Peninsula and may be worried that an influx of Russian military technology to North Korea could exacerbate tensions with South Korea, which are already at a peak. He further warns that a potential influx of millions of North Korean refugees into China is a scenario that Beijing fears the most.

 

There are suspicions from Washington and Seoul that Russia might be providing North Korea with technology and expertise to enhance its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, which are sanctioned by the United Nations. This exchange is believed to be in return for the munitions that North Korea has sent to Russia for use in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

 

Sari Arho Havrén, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, offers a different perspective. She expressed surprise at the widespread commentary suggesting that the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea would alarm Beijing. According to her, it is likely that Putin received Xi Jinping’s approval for his state trip to North Korea during his recent visit to China. Arho Havrén argues that while North Korea can be unpredictable, the strengthened ties between Putin and Kim also benefit Beijing. Xi Jinping does not wish to see Russia defeated in Ukraine, and by supporting the Moscow-Pyongyang relationship, he can maintain the appearance of limiting direct military support for Russia himself.

 

The U.S. and the European Union have criticized China for the export of dual-use technologies and components by Chinese companies to Russia, such as drone parts that bolster Russia’s military-industrial base. The Biden administration has already sanctioned several firms in China and Hong Kong believed to be facilitating this trade, leading major Chinese banks to cease processing yuan-denominated transactions with Russia.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., told Newsweek that he was unaware of the details of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and North Korea, or of the arms shipments from North Korea to Russia. He added, "But as two sovereign states, Russia and the DPRK have the right to conduct normal exchanges and cooperation."

 

The evolving dynamics of the Russia-North Korea relationship and its implications for regional stability and international alliances underscore the complexities of geopolitical strategies and the shifting balance of power in East Asia. While China navigates its position cautiously, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence its relations with both North Korea and the broader international community.

 

Credit: Newsweek 2024-07-01

 

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Kim: Wanna see what an Antiaircraft Gun does to a dissident?

Putin: I like my Novichok.

Guy in the middle: I have an erection.

 

The world's two biggest bluffers have formed a strategic partnership. Hopefully, their bluffs will remain just that.

The only threat to regional safety and security is coming from the US. As long as they stay away, things will be fine. NK has already given up its plans for the reunification of the peninsula and Russia knows this is China’s backyard.

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, pledging military assistance to each other if attacked.

 

Both , Russia and North Korea , do not seem to care about western sanctions .

But China does .

 

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

Xi Jinping does not wish to see Russia defeated in Ukraine, and by supporting the Moscow-Pyongyang relationship, he can maintain the appearance of limiting direct military support for Russia himself.

 

A political balance act for China .

Xi likes win-win situations , but this one does not look like one ...

Will Putin win the war in Ukraine ?

In the moment it looks like , but much depends on the actions taken by both sides .

Staying neutral is difficult for Xi , he wants Russias ' natural resources ' .

But he wants Chinese Products being sold everywhere , what can become difficult if more sanctions are imposed ...

Thank god we have a capable leader like Biden to sort it all out.

41 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

Kim: Wanna see what an Antiaircraft Gun does to a dissident?

Putin: I like my Novichok.

Guy in the middle: I have an erection.

 

 

It seems China is a bit jealous.😂

3 hours ago, neeray said:

The world's two biggest bluffers have formed a strategic partnership. Hopefully, their bluffs will remain just that.

Both are nuclear armed. Their "bluffs" are dangerous. 

Two goombah nations. Two despot dictators. Much in common. Strapped economies, multi billionaire status, power hungry desperados, zero respect for their own people and humanity.