Russia, China Make First NKorea Visit Since Pandemic
North Korean media reported on Wednesday that officials from both Russia and China have sent delegations to the country to be present at the recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War’s armistice in 1953.
Facts
- North Korean media reported on Wednesday that officials from both Russia and China have sent delegations to the country to be present at the recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War’s armistice in 1953.1
- Russia’s delegation, led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, was welcomed at the airport in Pyongyang on Tuesday evening. The Chinese delegation arrived on Wednesday.2
- The PRC's delegation will be led by Li Hongzhong, a member of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP’s) Politburo. The delegations are believed to be the first in North Korea since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.3
- North Korean state media has claimed that the anniversary on Thursday — known as Victory Day — will be a “grand manner that will go down in history.” Satellite images show the state has been preparing once again for a large-scale military parade.4
- Russia's defense ministry has stated that the visit would help strengthen "military ties" as well as serve as an "important stage" in the "development of cooperation."5
- Spokesperson to China's foreign ministry, Mao Ning, also released a statement claiming that the visit would be "conducive" to "peace and stability." Since 2022, North Korea has test-fired approximately 100 missiles in the region.6
Sources: 1Associated Press, 2BBC News, 3Reuters, 4Al Jazeera, 5Independent, and 6The Hill.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Washington Examiner. The visit to North Korea by China and Russia is an attempt to rebuke the US. A chance to show a tripartite stand against the US-led international order is a primary motivation. These powers are playing a dangerous game in trusting North Korea, known for its unpredictable hostility and potential to escalate tension.
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by China Daily. The visits by Beijing and Moscow to Pyongyang show unity in the face of American aggression, just like 70 years ago. China will continue to strive for a peaceful and stable society and will continue to repel forces that continue to prohibit such a mission.
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