North Korea has decided to send thousands of its soldiers to Russia to support the invasion of Ukraine, as indicated this week by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin. This action presents a delicate diplomatic scenario for China, whose ties with Pyongyang are now in doubt.
China and North Korea recently commemorated 75 years of close relations, but the participation of North Korean soldiers in the European conflict could test those ties like never before. Beijing has expressed frustration over the instability that North Korea creates in the region with its nuclear program and threats to South Korea.
This situation could lead North Korea to act more aggressively in the region and complicate China’s attempts to influence its neighbor, despite being its main trading partner. The escalation of tensions has also contributed to strengthening the trilateral alliance between the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and fueling a potential broader confrontation on the global stage.
China, which has tried to position itself as a peace actor in relation to the United States, now finds itself in a complicated situation. The presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia raises questions about whether Beijing was aware of these actions and whether they can curb Pyongyang's attempts to support Moscow.
Although China has not made direct comments about the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia, it has called for reducing tension and seeking a political solution to the conflict. Meanwhile, China has strengthened its ties with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, adding more complexity to this situation.
In the context of a summit of emerging market countries in Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged to avoid exacerbating the conflict. The United States has pointed out that China could play a crucial role in ending the fighting by withdrawing its support for Russia, which includes technological supplies and massive oil purchases.
North Korea's shift away from China to support Russia in a West-backed conflict has put Beijing in an uncomfortable position. Additionally, concerns about military technology exchanges between Russia and North Korea further complicate the situation. As China tries to maintain a balance in this complex geopolitical scenario, uncertainties about its role and future actions persist.
