China is increasingly uneasy about the growing ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly the reported dispatch of 10,000 North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to Kurt Campbell, the US Deputy Secretary of State. Campbell’s comments are part of a broader discussion on whether China is supporting North Korea’s military actions, which have raised concerns among its neighbors, especially Japan.
While China has largely remained silent on North Korea’s decision to send troops, there is growing discomfort within Beijing regarding this developing alliance. Some Chinese officials are worried that the military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow could inadvertently strengthen US-led alliances in East Asia, such as with South Korea and Japan, which Beijing views as a challenge to its influence in the region.
In a rare conciliatory gesture, China has informed Japan that it plans to remove a buoy placed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone near the disputed Senkaku Islands, which are a flashpoint between the two nations. Although the move is small, it symbolizes China’s efforts to maintain relations with Japan and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.
Campbell highlighted that some discussions between the US and China on North Korea’s actions have made Chinese officials aware of the situation, expressing concerns that Russia’s encouragement could lead North Korea to take military actions that are not aligned with China’s interests. Despite not directly criticizing Russia, China is reportedly unnerved by the increasing coordination between Moscow and Pyongyang.
However, analysts remain divided on whether there is a significant rift between China and Russia. Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official, pointed out that China’s silence on the matter, particularly regarding the strategic agreement made between Russia and North Korea earlier this year, is surprising. He noted that European countries are likely to hold China accountable for North Korea’s involvement in the war in Ukraine rather than blame Pyongyang itself.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, suggested that the relationship between Russia, China, and North Korea is based on a “transactional symbiosis,” with North Korea fulfilling Russia’s artillery and missile needs in exchange for advanced military technology. Meanwhile, Andrew Shearer from Australia’s Office of National Intelligence expressed skepticism about the extent of China’s discomfort, arguing that China’s support has been crucial in enabling Russia to continue its war efforts.
Observers in Japan also share doubts about China’s true stance. Professor Emi Mifune from Komazawa University emphasized that China is unlikely to be unaware of Russia’s actions and that Beijing cannot afford to see Russia defeated by the West. A victory for Russia would benefit China, especially in terms of setting a precedent for its own ambitions in Taiwan.
Professor Hideya Kurata from Japan’s National Defense Academy believes that China’s position on the Russia-North Korea cooperation is one of discomfort rather than approval or disapproval. He argued that North Korea’s escalating missile and nuclear capabilities pose a direct challenge to regional security, and China’s stance will be influenced by its broader strategic interests in the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region.