China stated firmly on Friday that the growing ties between North Korea and Russia are “not its concern.” This declaration comes on the heels of warnings from the United States that up to 8,000 North Korean troops have reached Russia’s border with Ukraine, reportedly ready for combat support in President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The influx of North Korean forces into Russia marks the first time in over a century that Moscow has permitted foreign combat troops on its soil, signaling a shift in alliances and raising serious concerns across Europe and the West.
“North Korea and Russia are two independent sovereign states. How they develop bilateral relations is their own matter,” Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during a press briefing. China’s stance highlights its intention to remain uninvolved despite the mounting international backlash and hints at Beijing’s continued reluctance to take a definitive stand against Russia’s actions in Ukraine, even as fears grow over the implications of Pyongyang’s involvement.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed this week that approximately 8,000 of an estimated 10,000 North Korean troops who entered Russia are now stationed in the Kursk border region, allegedly poised for deployment to Ukraine. According to intelligence reports, these troops have undergone training specifically aimed at bolstering Russian forces engaged in Ukraine. Although North Korea has a long history of providing arms and military support to its allies, sending troops to a foreign nation engaged in active conflict is a rare move, one that signals Pyongyang’s endorsement of Russia’s stance against Ukraine.
In recent months, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has openly intensified diplomatic and military cooperation with Russia, with several high-profile meetings with President Putin. These talks are believed to have included discussions on arms deals, resource-sharing agreements, and potential trade benefits. With both nations facing severe sanctions from the West, they are forging a mutually beneficial relationship, anchored in military cooperation and shared antagonism toward the United States and its allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the news of North Korean troops stationed near Ukraine’s borders with visible frustration, pointing to what he described as a lack of action and “silence” from China regarding the presence of foreign troops in the region. Zelenskyy, who has frequently appealed to international allies for support, expressed disappointment in Beijing’s neutrality, suggesting that China’s silence could be seen as tacit support for Russia’s actions.
Beijing, however, has consistently positioned itself as an advocate for “peaceful solutions” to the Ukraine crisis. Responding to Zelenskyy’s concerns, Lin reaffirmed China’s commitment to neutrality and reiterated that China “does not know the specific situation of bilateral exchange and cooperation between North Korea and Russia.”
“China’s position of hoping various parties will promote an easing of the situation and work for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis has not changed,” Lin added, underscoring China’s aversion to involvement in military or political alliances that might escalate tensions further.
The deployment of North Korean forces in Russia is historically significant. Since the early 1900s, Russia has resisted placing foreign military personnel on its soil, a policy reflective of its nationalistic and protectionist stance. However, faced with mounting losses and limited resources in Ukraine, Putin has increasingly turned to international allies for support. From Iranian drones to North Korean artillery, Russia’s reliance on external military resources represents a notable shift in its wartime strategy. This deployment also signals the lengths to which Putin is willing to go to sustain momentum in what has become a protracted and costly conflict.
For North Korea, the opportunity to deploy troops in Russia offers potential advantages. Pyongyang may view its partnership with Moscow as a strategic opportunity to gain access to technology, resources, and a broader alliance with Russia against U.S.-led coalitions in East Asia. Additionally, it allows Kim Jong Un to project power beyond his borders, establishing North Korea as a formidable, if unconventional, player on the global stage.
The United States, the European Union, and NATO have responded to the development with concern. U.S. officials have pointed to the increasing militarization and alliance-building in the region as destabilizing factors, warning that these moves could lead to greater regional security risks.
Secretary Blinken has emphasized the importance of a unified response from U.S. allies and cautioned against the spread of what he termed “authoritarian military partnerships.” Speaking at a press conference, Blinken stated, “The arrival of North Korean troops in Russia is not just an isolated development. It is part of a disturbing trend of authoritarian regimes working together to undermine international peace and security.”
The European Union, meanwhile, has urged China to reconsider its neutrality and take a stronger stance against the influx of North Korean forces in Russia. European leaders worry that failing to respond to these provocations could embolden other nations with authoritarian governments to act unilaterally, undermining international law.
However, diplomatic experts argue that China’s position is unlikely to shift. Historically, China has maintained close diplomatic relations with both North Korea and Russia, often employing a policy of non-interference when disputes arise between its allies and the West. Given Beijing’s ongoing economic and military rivalry with the United States, experts suggest that China will prioritize its geopolitical interests over calls for condemnation from Europe or the U.S.
- Strengthened Military Ties: By providing troops to aid Russia, North Korea secures a stronger military relationship with Moscow. Such a partnership could yield new defense technologies or other military resources that bolster North Korea’s arsenal.
- International Influence: Deploying troops to assist in the Ukraine conflict enables Pyongyang to assert its presence on the global stage and demonstrate its willingness to take concrete actions against Western allies.
- Economic Incentives: North Korea has long suffered from economic hardship, exacerbated by stringent international sanctions. Partnership with Russia may provide Pyongyang with crucial trade benefits, including energy resources and food supplies, which could help alleviate domestic shortages.
- Deterrence in East Asia: Supporting Russia allows North Korea to signal to South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. that it is not isolated and has significant support from a nuclear-armed ally, thereby reinforcing its stance against Western-aligned countries in the region.
The strengthened North Korea-Russia alliance could influence other regional powers, including Japan, South Korea, and India, pushing them to recalibrate their own foreign policies. South Korea and Japan, already wary of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, may respond by deepening security cooperation with the U.S., leading to increased military presence and potentially new defense initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan has already initiated talks with the U.S. to enhance missile defense systems and conduct joint exercises aimed at countering North Korean threats.
India, which maintains a non-aligned stance but has deep economic ties with Russia, faces a delicate balancing act. As Moscow’s reliance on North Korea becomes more pronounced, New Delhi may find itself navigating increased pressure from Western allies to denounce Russia’s tactics. However, India’s longstanding relationship with Russia makes this a complex decision, one that will likely involve careful diplomatic maneuvering.
China’s insistence on neutrality is emblematic of its broader diplomatic strategy in recent years. While Beijing has often positioned itself as an advocate for peaceful resolutions, critics argue that its failure to take a stand in the Ukraine crisis reflects a pragmatic, self-serving approach. China benefits from maintaining close relations with Russia, its partner in challenging Western influence, while avoiding actions that would jeopardize its position as a major player on the global stage.
At the same time, China is wary of directly aligning with countries like North Korea in ways that could isolate it from Europe and other parts of Asia. By framing the North Korea-Russia military alliance as a “matter between two sovereign states,” Beijing seeks to deflect responsibility and keep diplomatic channels open with all sides, minimizing risks to its own economic and strategic interests.
