Overview
North Korea is a highly isolated country. It has been having strained relations with the international community for decades and few nations have been openly friendly towards it. Nations that are close with North Korea have been the subject of speculation for many years. Although North Korea has maintained diplomatic relations and economic relations with several countries, it does not have many real allies or friends in the same way it is for other nations.
History of International Relations with North Korea
North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, with international relations hindered by its nuclear weapons program, human rights abuses and aggressive rhetoric. Since the 1950s, North Korea has maintained close ties primarily with China and Russia. While other nations, like Egypt and North Vietnam, briefly recognized and maintained diplomatic relations, the majority of the international community has been hesitant to extend friendship and recognition to North Korea.
Although North Korea is a member of the United Nations and had diplomatic relations with 177 countries in 2018, it has only close relations with two main countries – Russia and China. In general, North Korea has suffered from years of neglect and stiffed international sanctions, which have led to a decrease in diplomatic relations and in trading.
North Korea’s Relations with Russia and China
Russia and China have been closely associated with North Korea for many years, from the time of the Cold War. Both have been the main drivers of the Six-Party Talks to denuclearize North Korea. Russia and China have provided economic aid and diplomatic backing within the UN and at other international forums. In recent years, both countries have also sent high-level officials to Pyongyang to foster relations with North Korea.
Russia and China have continuously expressed support for North Korea in the international arena and have opposed the international community’s sanctions against the country. However, both countries have stated that they disagree with North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and strive for denuclearization and peace in the Korean peninsula.
Other Nations Friendly with North Korea
In addition to Russia and China, there are several other countries that have friendly ties with North Korea. These include India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These countries have maintained diplomatic relationships with North Korea and regularly exchange trade, culture and education with the isolated nation.
Although North Korea’s relations with these countries have been largely peaceful and cooperative, these friendly relations have not necessarily translated into diplomatic support in the international arena. While the United States, Japan, South Korea and many European countries remain wary of the North Korean regime and its nuclear weapons program, these countries have been more receptive and accommodating to North Korea’s efforts towards economic development, outreach and dialogue.
Analysis of North Korea’s International Relations
As North Korea continues its drive towards economic development and dialogue with the world, its relations with other nations have become more complex and important. North Korea remains a secretive nation, with its relations with other countries largely guarded. In addition, the international community remains divided over the nuclear weapons program of North Korea, making relations more difficult to maintain.
Experts believe that North Korea might be able to cultivate more supportive relations with other nations over time, as its economy continues to develop and its government pursues negotiations with the international community. As these negotiations continue, it is safe to say that North Korea will continue to benefit from friendly relations with countries such as Russia, China, India and the other countries mentioned.
North Korea’s Relationship with South Korea
North Korea has long had a tumultuous relationship with its southern neighbor, South Korea. This situation was highlighted when the two Koreas marched under one flag in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Since then, the two nations have engaged in a series of negotiations and meetings, which have led to the landmark 2018 Panmunjom Declaration.
Relations between the two Koreas continue to be delicate, as North and South Korea strive to navigate the complex divisions that have separated them for so long. North Korea and South Korea have yet to formally end the Korean War and many experts believe the ongoing tensions should be resolved in the near future.
Implications of North Korea’s International Relations
North Korea’s international relations remain fragile and highly unpredictable. Relations with other countries are necessary for the country to continue its economic and political development. Although North Korea has maintained friendly ties with certain countries, it still faces robust international sanctions and lacks significant foreign investment.
Nevertheless, the recent negotiations between North and South Korea have been encouraging, and many experts believe that North Korea should continue working to cultivate more supportive relations with the international community. As North Korea seeks to normalize its relations with other countries, the effects of its diplomatic maneuvers could have significant implications for the future of the world.
Sanctions Imposed on North Korea
The United Nations Security Council and other countries have imposed numerous sanctions against North Korea in recent years in a bid to prevent it from pursuing its nuclear weapons program. These sanctions have had a devastating effect on the economy of North Korea, resulting in a decrease in foreign trade, a shortage of food and basic supplies and overall poverty.
The international community has also attempted to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, but to no avail. In 2017, the US introduced a series of new sanctions in retaliation for North Korea’s missile tests. Although North Korea has been largely undeterred in its pursuit of nuclear weapons, the international sanctions have had a significant impact on its economy and international relations.
Changing Roles of China, Russia and other Nations in North Korea’s International Relations
North Korea has long been reliant on the support of its two main allies, China and Russia, to maintain diplomatic relations and keep the sanctions at bay. Recently, however, the roles of China and Russia in North Korea’s international relations have changed.
China and Russia have demonstrated a willingness to mediate and encourage dialogue between North Korea and other nations, as well as support North Korea’s efforts to normalize its international relations. China in particular has taken steps to normalize relations with North Korea, particularly regarding trade and economic development. At the same time, other nations such as India, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam have also taken steps to build closer ties with North Korea.
Conclusion of North Korea’s International Relations
Overall, the international relations of North Korea remain complex and often difficult to predict. With the future uncertain and North Korea still faced with sanctions and strained relations with the international community, North Korea needs to take steps in order to build closer ties and secure a more peaceful and secure future. Although North Korea has few close allies, it is possible that it may cultivate better and supportive diplomatic ties with other nations in the future.
