China is becoming increasingly uneasy over the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, as reports suggest that North Korean troops have been sent to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Kurt Campbell, the US Deputy Secretary of State, highlighted that China is particularly concerned about the growing engagement between Moscow and Pyongyang, as it could have significant strategic repercussions for the region.
There is a growing debate in the US and among its allies about whether China tacitly supports North Korea’s actions or is genuinely disturbed by them. While Beijing has kept largely silent on the issue, it is widely believed that China is anxious about the long-term implications of the Russian-North Korean partnership. Officials worry that the military collaboration could inadvertently strengthen US alliances in East Asia, particularly with South Korea and Japan, which China views as a challenge to its influence.
In an unusual diplomatic move, China recently agreed to remove a buoy it had installed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. This step, although small, is seen as a gesture aimed at easing tensions with Japan and signaling China’s willingness to de-escalate in the region. The Senkaku Islands have long been a point of contention between Japan and China, and the removal of the buoy was interpreted as a sign of China’s intent to avoid further complicating the situation amid growing international concerns over its actions in Ukraine.
Campbell indicated that Chinese officials have become increasingly uncomfortable with the strengthening military ties between North Korea and Russia. He noted that, in private discussions, Chinese officials have expressed concerns that North Korea’s actions, particularly its potential military escalation, could lead to developments not in line with China’s long-term interests. While China has not directly criticized Russia for its growing partnership with North Korea, Campbell suggested that Beijing’s discomfort with the situation is becoming more evident.
The silence from China on the issue has raised questions among analysts. Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official, criticized Beijing for failing to address the growing military alliance between Russia and North Korea. He pointed out that China’s inaction could damage its international reputation, especially in Europe, where countries are increasingly frustrated with Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, commented on the evolving dynamic, describing it as a “transactional symbiosis” between Russia and North Korea. According to Paparo, North Korea is supplying Russia with artillery and missile systems in exchange for advanced technology, such as submarines and missile technology. This growing exchange of military resources has raised concerns about China’s role in facilitating Russia’s war efforts, particularly in terms of its indirect support for Moscow through its trade in critical materials like semiconductors and machine tools.
In Japan, there is also skepticism about China’s position. Professor Emi Mifune from Komazawa University suggested that China is aware of Russia’s actions but cannot afford to see Russia lose in the conflict. A Russian defeat, Mifune argued, could have negative implications for China’s ambitions in Taiwan, and therefore, Beijing has a vested interest in ensuring Russia remains strong in the war.
Professor Hideya Kurata, a defense expert in Japan, added that China’s position on the issue is not one of explicit approval but rather discomfort. He pointed out that China is particularly focused on North Korea’s increasing military capabilities, which pose a growing challenge to the regional security balance. As North Korea develops a wider range of missile systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, China may be concerned about the escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the broader implications for its own security interests in the region.
