China concerned over deepening Russia-North Korea relations, says US official

China appears increasingly uneasy about the growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, according to Kurt Campbell, US Deputy Secretary of State.

Speaking at a seminar, Campbell highlighted Beijing’s discomfort with Pyongyang’s military support for Moscow, including reports of 10,000 North Korean troops being deployed in Russia to assist in the war against Ukraine.

This development has sparked debates among US allies in Asia over China’s stance on North Korea’s actions.

Japanese officials have expressed skepticism about China’s approval of North Korea’s troop deployments, noting that Beijing has largely remained silent on the matter.

Analysts suggest China may be wary of the closer North Korea-Russia relationship, as it could bolster US-led alliances with Japan and South Korea—alliances Beijing views as aimed at countering its influence in the region.

In what some see as a conciliatory gesture, China recently informed Japan of its decision to remove a buoy placed within Japan’s exclusive economic zone near the disputed Senkaku Islands.

While the move is largely symbolic, it may signal Beijing’s attempt to appeal to Japanese factions hesitant to deepen their alignment with the US.

Strategic implications of North Korea-Russia cooperation

Campbell noted that discussions with Chinese officials suggest Beijing might not be fully aware of North Korea’s actions or Russia’s role in encouraging them.

He added that while China has refrained from openly criticizing Russia, it seems alarmed by the potential implications of closer Pyongyang-Moscow ties, including possible actions that could run counter to Chinese interests.

However, opinions vary on the extent of a rift between China and Russia.

Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official specialising in East Asia, described China’s silence on the issue as “staggering,” highlighting the absence of any acknowledgment in Chinese state media regarding North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine.

He warned that Russia’s potential provision of nuclear assistance to North Korea could strengthen US alliances in East Asia, further isolating Beijing.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, described the Russia-North Korea partnership as a “transactional symbiosis,” with North Korea supplying artillery and missiles to Russia in exchange for missile and submarine technology.

He also alleged that China has been indirectly aiding Russia’s war effort by supplying key resources, including semiconductors and machine tools.

Divided perspectives on China’s position

While some experts believe China is uncomfortable with North Korea’s actions, others question whether Beijing’s unease is significant enough to create a divide with Moscow.

Andrew Shearer, Australia’s Director General of National Intelligence, dismissed the idea of exploiting such tensions, emphasising that China’s extensive military and diplomatic support is central to Russia’s ability to continue its war in Ukraine.

In Japan, scholars like Professor Emi Mifune, as reported by The Guardian, argue that China’s strategic interests align with Russia’s success in the conflict.

She pointed to China’s recent gains from its partnership with Moscow, including expanded access to maritime routes in the Sea of Japan, as evidence of Beijing’s long-term calculations.

Professor Hideya Kurata of Japan’s National Defense Academy, The Guardian quotes, believes China’s stance is one of cautious neutrality.

He highlighted North Korea’s strategic focus on building a nuclear escalation framework, targeting various US and allied assets in the region.

Kurata expressed concern that the US lacks sufficient medium-range nuclear deterrents in the area, potentially emboldening Pyongyang’s actions.

However, China’s muted response to North Korea’s growing ties with Russia reflects a complex balancing act.

While Beijing may find the partnership unsettling, its broader strategic interests in countering the West and maintaining regional influence seem to outweigh any discomfort.

As North Korea deepens its military involvement in Ukraine, the geopolitical ramifications are likely to test China’s alliances and the stability of the region.