"Unwanted Solidification of the Korea-US-Japan Triangle by China"
"Likely to Restore Relations with Korea for Regional Stabilization"
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 20th (local time), the new military alliance-level treaty between North Korea and Russia, signed following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to North Korea, is emerging as a new challenge that China finds difficult to manage.
The NYT pointed out, "The 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' between North Korea and Russia is exactly the same kind of bloc formation that China criticizes the United States for," adding, "Many analyses suggest it increases the risk of Cold War-style confrontation in Northeast Asia."
According to the NYT, the treaty appears to deepen the 'North Korea-China-Russia triangular alliance' structure that China seeks to avoid, presenting another dilemma for China. As South Korea, the United States, and Japan respond by strengthening their security systems in the face of threats arising from the North Korea-Russia treaty, tensions across Northeast Asia are escalating.
From the perspective of Chinese President Xi Jinping, there is also the risk of adverse effects stemming from the unpredictable actions of the two leaders of the so-called 'pariah states' North Korea and Russia in the international community. Putin's invasion of Ukraine has already severely damaged China’s relations with the West, and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's nuclear weapons demonstrations have resulted in strengthened trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan. There are also concerns that Russia might provide North Korea with technology to enhance its nuclear weapons program in exchange for receiving military supplies for use in the Ukraine war.
Professor Si In-hong of Renmin University of China told the NYT, "From China's perspective, the North Korea-Russia treaty, combined with the South Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance, has significantly worsened the risks of confrontation, competition, and conflict in the region," adding, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula is China's top priority," and "As militarization accelerates in the region, one of China's critical interests is now at risk."
There are also views that the close relationship between North Korea and Russia could present new opportunities for China-South Korea relations. As the North Korea-Russia relationship is elevated to a Cold War-era military alliance level, China may have more motivation to restore and stabilize its relations with South Korea. In fact, on the 18th, when Chairman Kim and President Putin met in Pyongyang, senior diplomatic and security officials from South Korea and China also held talks in Seoul, the NYT reported.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
