FT: China is outraged by the rapprochement between North Korea and Russia

The leadership of the People’s Republic of China is seriously concerned geopolitically by the rapid strengthening of the military and strategic alliance between North Korea and the Russian Federation, diplomatic sources and experts said. Source: Financial Times

Western and Asian experts believe Beijing fears that deepening bilateral ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, including direct military cooperation and the exchange of nuclear technology, are slipping beyond China’s control and could trigger a major escalation of tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Analysts note that Beijing has traditionally sought to maintain its status as North Korea’s main strategic patron and donor, using its influence to contain crises on the Korean Peninsula. However, increased direct contact between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, reinforced by a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty and the deployment of North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine, poses a risk to Beijing of losing its leverage over Pyongyang. Chinese authorities fear that North Korea’s unpredictable actions, backed by Russia, could give the United States, Japan, and South Korea a compelling reason to increase their military presence near China’s borders.

In addition, Beijing is increasingly concerned that closer ties with Russia are pushing Pyongyang toward more aggressive provocations in the region, undermining China’s foreign policy priorities, which are tied to maintaining stable trade relations with the West.

The publication notes that despite public statements about their strong friendship, behind closed doors Chinese officials are expressing growing dissatisfaction with the Kremlin for drawing East Asia into a dangerous arms race, forcing Beijing to balance its support for its strategic partner in Moscow with the need to prevent regional chaos.

Recall that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has reached a qualitatively new level, evolving into a full-fledged technology exchange. The Russian Federation has transferred advanced technologies for manufacturing jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles to North Korea.