North Korea Strengthens Ties with China Amid US Confrontations

• Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong speaks during a bilateral meeting in Manila, Philippines on March 24, 2023. (Francis Malasig/Pool Photo via AP, File)

• Kim Jong Un aims to strengthen partnership with China and Russia.

• Kim traveled to Russia in September for a rare summit with President Vladimir Putin.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong speaks during a bilateral meeting in Manila, Philippines on March 24, 2023. North Korea said Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, it was hosting a visit by a Chinese

AP

North Korea is continuing its efforts to strengthen ties with China and Russia amidst increasing confrontations with the United States. In line with this, North Korea announced on Friday that it was hosting a visit by a Chinese government delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, Sun's delegation arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday after crossing the land border between the two countries. However, no further details about the visit were provided. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been actively working to enhance the visibility of the partnership between North Korea and its key allies, China and Russia. This move is aimed at breaking the country's diplomatic isolation and strengthening its regional position by joining a united front against the United States.

In September, Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia's Far East for a rare summit with President Vladimir Putin. This meeting, along with Kim's attempts to arrange a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, demonstrates his eagerness to strengthen relations with both countries. It is worth noting that while Russia has raised concerns about potential arms cooperation with North Korea that could support Russia's actions in Ukraine, China remains a crucial partner for Kim.

Over the past months, Kim has invited senior Chinese officials to major state events as he vows to strengthen bilateral relations. Last September, a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu Guozhong attended North Korea's 75th founding anniversary celebrations, shortly before Kim's trip to Russia. Additionally, Chinese ruling party official Li Hongzhong and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu were invited by Kim to a major military parade in Pyongyang, demonstrating the country's military capabilities.

Last month, Sun met with North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho in Beijing to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and coordinating on 'issues of common interest.' Pak also had a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and they pledged to expand friendly exchanges and enhance 'strategic cooperation' as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of establishing bilateral ties in 2024.

This visit by Sun to North Korea coincides with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan's planned talks with Wang in Bangkok. These talks are part of ongoing high-level discussions between the United States and China, considering their strained relations over trade, technology, and China's assertive foreign policy in the region.

Economically, China plays a crucial role for North Korea as its major ally and economic lifeline. China's economic leverage on North Korea has been sought-after by Washington and Seoul to persuade the country to return to nuclear disarmament negotiations, which have been stalled since 2019. Despite facing decades of mismanagement and U.S.-led sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile program, North Korea has aggressively expanded its capabilities in recent years.

Experts suggest that trade activities between North Korea and China have been gradually increasing since North Korea eased its pandemic restrictions and reopened the border last year. As permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, both China and Russia have been obstructing U.S.-led efforts to impose more sanctions on North Korea due to its intensified weapons testing activity in recent months. This highlights the growing divide between Russia and the West, particularly in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The visit by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and the ongoing dialogue between North Korea, China, and Russia underscore the geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. North Korea's concerted efforts to strengthen its ties with its allies could have significant implications for the balance of power in East Asia. As developments unfold, the international community will closely monitor the outcomes and consequences of these engagements.