Although North Korea, the “Hermit Kingdom,” has earned a reputation for being a solitary state, it opened its borders for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic to two nations: China and Russia.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Politburo member Li Hongzhong joined North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in witnessing a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Korean armistice agreement. The meeting of the three parties signaled that China and Russia clearly supported the Kim dynasty’s regime.
“China and Russia are special partners for North Korea at this moment,” said Wi Sung-lac, former South Korean ambassador to Russia. “That’s very much worrisome and frustrating.”
Although the Korean War only reached an armistice in 1953, both parties who participated have a different story. South Korea celebrates the creation of a protection deal with the United States, while North Korea celebrates “Victory Day,” even though the war between the North and the South never officially ended due to a stalemate at the 38th parallel.
Beijing and Moscow have become more involved in the politics and events of North Korea in an effort to decrease American influence in the area. China became more supportive of North Korean affairs after diplomatic talks between Washington and Pyongyang declined.
Shoigu read out a congratulatory speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Li gave Kim a letter from Xi Jinping, China’s current President.
North Korea has previously returned the support by being one of five countries against the condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and by selling artillery shells to Moscow, as US intelligence officials state.
The United States has also begun to cooperate with Japan and South Korea, citing concerns over North Korea’s aggression in the region and recent threats made by Pyongyang.
“On the occasion of this event, North Korea, China, and Russian solidarity is highlighted,” Wi, the former South Korean ambassador to Russia, said of this week’s gathering. “They are answering signs of solidarity from Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo”, he said. The United States, after surviving a Cold War, likely does not wish to see the next.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Politburo member Li Hongzhong joined North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in witnessing a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Korean armistice agreement. The meeting of the three parties signaled that China and Russia clearly supported the Kim dynasty’s regime.
“China and Russia are special partners for North Korea at this moment,” said Wi Sung-lac, former South Korean ambassador to Russia. “That’s very much worrisome and frustrating.”
Although the Korean War only reached an armistice in 1953, both parties who participated have a different story. South Korea celebrates the creation of a protection deal with the United States, while North Korea celebrates “Victory Day,” even though the war between the North and the South never officially ended due to a stalemate at the 38th parallel.
Beijing and Moscow have become more involved in the politics and events of North Korea in an effort to decrease American influence in the area. China became more supportive of North Korean affairs after diplomatic talks between Washington and Pyongyang declined.
Shoigu read out a congratulatory speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Li gave Kim a letter from Xi Jinping, China’s current President.
North Korea has previously returned the support by being one of five countries against the condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and by selling artillery shells to Moscow, as US intelligence officials state.
The United States has also begun to cooperate with Japan and South Korea, citing concerns over North Korea’s aggression in the region and recent threats made by Pyongyang.
“On the occasion of this event, North Korea, China, and Russian solidarity is highlighted,” Wi, the former South Korean ambassador to Russia, said of this week’s gathering. “They are answering signs of solidarity from Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo”, he said. The United States, after surviving a Cold War, likely does not wish to see the next.
