China and Russia Stand by North Korea in Show of Power – A Disturbing Shift in Global Relations
In a striking display of solidarity, China and Russia stood side by side with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they observed a military parade showcasing the country’s newest nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones. This rare show of unity between the three nations heralds a significant shift in global relations and a potential challenge to the influence of the United States and its allies.
The parade, held in the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang, marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, known in North Korea as Victory Day. Chinese and Russian officials, including Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, were in attendance – a highly unusual occurrence. Shoigu’s visit was the first by a top Moscow defense official since the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, while the Chinese delegation was the first since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This demonstration of support from China and Russia, both long-standing critics of the United States, signifies a consolidated relationship that has been strengthening in recent years. Together, they appear to form what Liberal MP Andrew Hastie described as a strange new monster. This development is a departure from their previous position of distancing themselves from North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
The international community has expressed concern and unease at the presence of Chinese and Russian officials alongside the North’s nuclear-capable missiles, which are prohibited by the UN Security Council, with both China and Russia having previously supported such bans. Professor Rory Medcalf, the Head of National Security College at the Australian National University, described their endorsement as horrifyingly stark on social media.
At the parade, Kim, accompanied by Shoigu and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong, appeared engaged and cordial as they observed the military display. The event showcased North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18, which are believed to have the capability to strike anywhere in the United States. Additionally, the parade featured a flyover of new attack and spy drones.
During a meeting with Shoigu, Kim expressed solidarity with Russia’s people and military, while Shoigu praised the North Korean military as the strongest in the world. They also discussed strategic security and defense cooperation, building on their existing relationship. Shoigu read a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanking North Korea for its support during the special military operation in Ukraine, a statement that further complicates the already strained ties between the United States and North Korea.
The United States has accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, leading to growing concerns over their connection. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel voiced the US’s worries about their relationship, labeling it as incredibly concerning.
For years, North Korea has been subjected to UN sanctions due to its missile and nuclear programs, with sanctions being imposed since 2006. However, Russia and China have resisted US-led efforts to tighten these sanctions, advocating for eased measures for humanitarian reasons and to incentivize North Korea to engage in negotiations.
The visible presence of Chinese and Russian officials, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, at events involving banned missiles raises doubts about their commitment to enforcing sanctions. Observers warn that it may undermine efforts to restrain North Korea’s nuclear and missile ambitions.
As this disturbing shift in global relations unfolds, the world watches with apprehension. The alignment of China, Russia, and North Korea poses a formidable challenge to the United States and its allies, potentially reshaping power dynamics on the international stage. The future of global relations hangs in the balance as countries navigate this new and uncertain landscape, where alliances are tested, and traditional norms are challenged.
