“Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is generally in China’s interests in the fight against the West.”, — write: www.unian.ua
Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is generally in China’s interests in the fight against the West.
China is not against the troops of the DPRK in Ukraine / UNIAN collage, photo – Telegram of Andriy Kovalenko, Getty ImagesMore than 11,000 North Korean troops, and possibly more, are engaged in hostilities on the side of Russia in the war against Ukraine. This causes concern among international analysts. However, China’s position on this is worrisome, Jacob Stokes, a senior fellow and deputy director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, writes in an article for Foreign Policy.Pyongyang’s participation in the war on the side of Russia can be a challenge for China due to potential reputational losses for Beijing, the risk of destabilizing the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and the strengthening of the Russia-North Korea coalition behind China’s back.
However, these assumptions do not completely correspond to reality. As the expert writes, China probably not only will not oppose Pyongyang’s cooperation with Moscow, but may also see certain advantages in this for its own interests.
- Geopolitical benefit
China views the war in Ukraine as a means of weakening the strategic focus of the US, which is forced to disperse resources between Europe and Asia. North Korea’s involvement allows Russia to continue the war while strengthening the authoritarian bloc.
- Ideological and strategic basis
Beijing supports Moscow’s thesis of “legitimate security interests”, which is in line with China’s policy towards Taiwan, India and US allies in the region. Thus, Russia acts not only as a military partner, but also as an ideological ally in the confrontation with the democratic world.
- The instrumental role of the DPRK
Pyongyang has become the executor of those tasks that China cannot implement openly due to fears of sanctions. North Korean military aid allows China to maintain an image of “aloofness” while contributing to Moscow’s goals.
Possible risks for ChinaWhile China generally approves of North Korea’s actions, there are some concerns. In particular, Beijing is concerned about technological cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang: Russia has already helped North Korea with space and missile technologies.
In addition, North Korean troops, being in Russia, are exposed to negative influence, which can cause internal problems.
North Korean activity could push Seoul to provide military aid to Ukraine, which would increase tensions in the region. This also worries China.
Stokes considers it unlikely that China will interfere in cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Beijing sees this alliance as a positive for the stability of its regime and an opportunity to distract the US and its allies. At the same time, the West’s attempts to influence China in this matter look unpromising.
North Korean troops at the front – the latest newsEarlier, the White House commented on the losses of North Korean troops in Kurshchyna. In particular, White House adviser John Kirby said that Russia should provide these fighters with more body bags, because losses will increase.
Also, ATO veteran Yevhen Dykiy spoke about the North Korean troops in the war. According to him, North Korean soldiers turned out to be ordinary “cannon fodder” for Russia.
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