Additional Coverage:
China Caught in a Geopolitical Triangle
Tourists flock to a border town in China to glimpse North Korea, where the country meets Russia. However, beneath the surface, tensions simmer as China finds itself caught between its sanctioned neighbors.
The budding alliance between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has raised concerns, particularly after reports of North Korea sending troops to aid Russia in Ukraine. This move has further strained China’s relationship with the West.
Beijing seeks a stable North Korea, but the alliance with Russia threatens that stability. If China cannot control the Putin-Kim partnership, it risks being marginalized as Western anger and anxiety grow.
China is uneasy with the situation but has remained relatively quiet. However, journalists have been met with resistance while reporting on the border town, highlighting Beijing’s sensitivity to the issue.
Despite its proximity to North Korea, China offers a stark contrast. Tourists marvel at the prosperity and technological advancements in China, while across the border, North Korea remains isolated and impoverished.
China has historically been North Korea’s primary benefactor, but Russia is now offering an alternative. Analysts note that Kim has favored Putin over Xi in recent months, a move that has left Beijing feeling slighted.
The US has raised the issue of North Korean troops in Russia with Chinese diplomats. China has options to pressure North Korea, but it is unlikely to take drastic measures due to concerns about a refugee crisis.
Experts warn that the Putin-Kim alliance could destabilize North Korea, which could benefit Putin but harm Xi. China is also concerned about the military technology Russia might provide to Kim.
Beijing remains in a precarious position, torn between its desire for stability in North Korea and its need to maintain ties with Russia. Kim, too, faces a dilemma as he weighs the benefits of the Russia alliance against the potential consequences of alienating China.