China watches cautiously as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties
China is watching closely as Russia and North Korea deepen their relationship through a new defense pact, sparking concerns about potential shifts in power dynamics among the three authoritarian states.
China's Strategic Dilemma
The recent agreement between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented a strategic challenge for China. While China aims to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula and counter US influence, these goals now seem to conflict, complicating China's response to the pact.
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China has refrained from publicly commenting on the pact, which requires mutual defense assistance between Russia and North Korea in case of an attack. Instead, China has reiterated its commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and a political resolution to the North-South divide. Experts suggest that this restrained reaction may indicate China's uncertainty about how to navigate the situation.
Insights and Concerns from Experts
Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia and Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted, «The Chinese response has been ‘very weak.’» He elaborated, «Every option is a bad option,» suggesting that Beijing might be struggling due to internal disagreements or an inability to assess the situation effectively.
While some in China might view the Russia-North Korea alignment as a counterbalance to US dominance, Cha believes there is significant discomfort within
