"US Official: 'China Is Concerned About Russia’s Growing Ties With North Korea'"
World
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has stated that China is increasingly worried about North Korea's strengthening cooperation with Russia, and the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow are causing unease in Beijing.
Campbell made these comments amid ongoing discussions about whether China supports North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s decision to send 10,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russia in the war against Ukraine. Reports indicate that North Korean troops have already entered Russian territory.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry also doubts that China supports North Korea’s decision. Officials note that China has largely remained silent on the issue and is likely concerned that this military collaboration might push the US to strengthen alliances with South Korea and Japan in East Asia, alliances that Beijing views as a threat to its power.
At the same time, China is making conciliatory gestures toward Japan. Recently, Beijing announced its intention to remove a buoy it installed within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone near the Senkaku Islands, which are under Japan’s administrative control.
Although this is a small step, the Senkaku Islands remain a flashpoint between China and Japan. The move is seen as symbolic, aimed at appealing to Japanese groups that are reluctant to align with the US in a potential conflict against China.
At a seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Campbell said:
"The topic becoming increasingly uncomfortable for Chinese interlocutors is the DPRK's [North Korea’s] engagement with Russia.
"In some of the discussions we’ve had, it seems like we’re informing them of developments they were unaware of regarding DPRK activities. They’re concerned that Russian actions might prompt North Korea to consider moves or military actions not aligned with China’s interests."
He also added:
"China has not directly criticized Russia, but we do believe the increasing coordination between Pyongyang and Moscow is unsettling for them."
However, analysts are divided on whether there is a significant rift between China and Russia.
Dennis Wilder, former CIA Assistant Director for East Asia and the Pacific, remarked:
"Beijing’s silence on this issue is striking. There’s not a word in the Chinese press about the strategic agreement signed between Russia and North Korea this summer or about the deployment of troops.
"How does China explain what’s happening and ignore internationally the fact that its client state is now fighting in Ukraine? The Europeans will be upset, and their frustration won’t be directed at North Korea, but at China.
"If Russia pursues nuclear assistance to North Korea, it will bolster American alliances in East Asia and potentially create a true NATO, putting President Xi Jinping in a very challenging position."
Japan’s Foreign Ministry also doubts that China supports North Korea’s decision. Officials note that China has largely remained silent on the issue and is likely concerned that this military collaboration might push the US to strengthen alliances with South Korea and Japan in East Asia, alliances that Beijing views as a threat to its power.
At the same time, China is making conciliatory gestures toward Japan. Recently, Beijing announced its intention to remove a buoy it installed within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone near the Senkaku Islands, which are under Japan’s administrative control.
Although this is a small step, the Senkaku Islands remain a flashpoint between China and Japan. The move is seen as symbolic, aimed at appealing to Japanese groups that are reluctant to align with the US in a potential conflict against China.
At a seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Campbell said:
"The topic becoming increasingly uncomfortable for Chinese interlocutors is the DPRK's [North Korea’s] engagement with Russia.
"In some of the discussions we’ve had, it seems like we’re informing them of developments they were unaware of regarding DPRK activities. They’re concerned that Russian actions might prompt North Korea to consider moves or military actions not aligned with China’s interests."
He also added:
"China has not directly criticized Russia, but we do believe the increasing coordination between Pyongyang and Moscow is unsettling for them."
However, analysts are divided on whether there is a significant rift between China and Russia.
Dennis Wilder, former CIA Assistant Director for East Asia and the Pacific, remarked:
"Beijing’s silence on this issue is striking. There’s not a word in the Chinese press about the strategic agreement signed between Russia and North Korea this summer or about the deployment of troops.
"How does China explain what’s happening and ignore internationally the fact that its client state is now fighting in Ukraine? The Europeans will be upset, and their frustration won’t be directed at North Korea, but at China.
"If Russia pursues nuclear assistance to North Korea, it will bolster American alliances in East Asia and potentially create a true NATO, putting President Xi Jinping in a very challenging position."
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