Reports that North Korea has sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia to participate in the Ukrainian war have aroused strong concern from the international community. This incident not only put the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia in the spotlight again, but also posed a severe challenge to China's balancing strategy in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly called for peace on international occasions, but in the face of pressure from multiple parties, Beijing's attitude on the North Korean issue is particularly cautious.

Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: strong reaction from the international community

The news that North Korea sent troops to assist Russia has aroused strong opposition from Europe, the United States, South Korea and other countries. Especially at the recent Group of 20 (G20) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summits, leaders of many countries directly asked China to put pressure on North Korea to stop further military actions.

Concerns and warnings from Europe and the United States

German Chancellor Scholz publicly pointed out at the G20 meeting that North Korea's sending troops may exacerbate the escalation of the war. He stressed that China, as an important partner of North Korea, should take more responsibility in preventing this action. US President Biden also expressed similar views at the APEC summit, explicitly asking China to exert its influence to avoid further expansion of the conflict.

South Korea's tough stance

During the APEC summit, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol said that North Korea's military cooperation with Russia not only threatens regional security, but may also trigger geopolitical turmoil around the world. He urged China to adopt a "constructive" attitude to prevent North Korea from further deepening its military relations with Russia.

China's balancing strategy: a dilemma in diplomatic choices

China's position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has always been seen by the outside world as a "delicate balance." On the one hand, China is trying to maintain its strategic partnership with Russia through ambiguous diplomatic statements; on the other hand, Beijing is unwilling to completely confront the West by supporting Russia.

Why does China keep a low profile on the North Korea issue?

Strategic considerations: China and Russia ally against the West

China's partnership with Russia is based on confronting the Western-dominated international order. Although the two countries have differences on the North Korea issue, their overall strategic goals are highly consistent. China is reluctant to publicly condemn Russia on the North Korea issue because it may undermine the basis for cooperation between the two countries.

Avoid angering North Korea

North Korea is not only a geopolitical buffer for China, but also an important bargaining chip in the game with the United States and its allies. Excessive pressure on North Korea could lead Kim Jong-un to take more provocative actions, such as nuclear tests or missile launches, which would pose a greater threat to regional stability.

Economic considerations

China is currently facing downward economic pressure, and trade relations with European and American countries are vital to China's economy. Supporting Russia and North Korea could lead to further Western sanctions, which would have a serious impact on China's economy.

International expectations and China's response

Although China is cautious on the North Korean issue, the pressure on it from the international community is increasing.

Beijing's diplomatic stance

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly reiterated that China's position is to promote de-escalation and resolve conflicts through dialogue. But on specific issues, such as North Korea sending troops to aid Russia, Beijing has remained silent. This ambiguous strategy not only avoids direct confrontation, but also leaves room for future diplomatic operations.

Contradictions and challenges at home and abroad

On the one hand, China hopes to show the image of a "responsible major power" on the international stage; on the other hand, against the backdrop of continued tensions between the United States and China, it is difficult for China to take a tough stance against North Korea or Russia. This contradiction puts Beijing in a dilemma in the diplomatic game.

Potential impact of North Korea-Russia cooperation

Threat to regional security

North Korea's sending troops to aid Russia could further intensify tensions in Northeast Asia. South Korea, Japan and the United States may strengthen military cooperation and even expand their military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region. This not only intensifies the regional arms race, but also poses a potential threat to China's national security.

Impact on global geopolitics

North Korea's actions are not only seen as direct intervention in Ukraine, but also as a challenge to the international order dominated by Western countries. This trend may prompt the West to strengthen sanctions on North Korea and Russia while further isolating these countries.

Beijing's choices and challenges

Balancing China-Russia-North Korea relations

China needs to find a balance between supporting Russia and maintaining regional stability. Beijing may put pressure on North Korea in private while maintaining a cooperative relationship with Russia through diplomatic means.

Dealing with international expectations

Faced with continued pressure from Europe, the United States and South Korea, China may need to further clarify its position, such as by supporting international mediation mechanisms to demonstrate the sincerity of its peace initiative.

Balancing domestic economy and international image

In dealing with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the North Korean issue, China must act cautiously to avoid damaging relations with the other party by leaning too much towards one side, especially in the context of economic weakness.

Complex role in global game

North Korea's actions to assist Russia have made China's situation in the international game more complicated. As a global power, every step China takes will have a profound impact on the regional and global situation. In this process, how to promote peaceful development while maintaining its own interests will become the biggest challenge of China's diplomacy.

Whether China's future foreign policy can find a breakthrough in such a gap is not only related to regional security, but also to the reshaping of the global order.