Why China is wary of Russia and North Korea’s security deal — but not alarmed



Analysis Why China is wary of Russia and North Korea’s security deal — but not alarmed Mutual defense treaty could encourage US military presence, yet Beijing knows it has leverage over Moscow and Pyongyang Gabriela Bernal June 24, 2024 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A welcome ceremony for Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024 \| Image: Kremlin North Korea and Russia made a show of deepening their military cooperation by signing the new Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last week — asserting mutual defense commitments, and in the process, creating new problems for their shared partner Beijing. While China has not publicly revealed its thoughts on the treaty, it is unlikely to welcome the security pledge and other clauses that embrace cooperation in areas like nuclear energy. Beijing will worry that the defense clause could help justify a stronger U.S. military presence in the region and greater trilateral cooperation between Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, as well as © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

Analysis

Why China is wary of Russia and North Korea’s security deal — but not alarmed

Mutual defense treaty could encourage US military presence, yet Beijing knows it has leverage over Moscow and Pyongyang

Gabriela Bernal June 24, 2024

Why China is wary of Russia and North Korea’s security deal — but not alarmed

A welcome ceremony for Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024 | Image: Kremlin

North Korea and Russia made a show of deepening their military cooperation by signing the new Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last week — asserting mutual defense commitments, and in the process, creating new problems for their shared partner Beijing.

While China has not publicly revealed its thoughts on the treaty, it is unlikely to welcome the security pledge and other clauses that embrace cooperation in areas like nuclear energy.

Beijing will worry that the defense clause could help justify a stronger U.S. military presence in the region and greater trilateral cooperation between Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, as well as