Background
North Korea is an isolated and reclusive country that has been known to make global headlines. It is frequently associated with its oppressive and authoritarian regime, nuclear armament and human rights abuses. Its relationships with the international community are strained, with the majority of countries looking upon its government warily. As such, many have been surprised to learn that North Korea has allies and friends.
China
The most important of North Korea’s allies is China. It has been standing by North Korea since 1950 when it first involved itself in the Korean War and it remains the closest of Pyongyang’s international connections. In 2017, the two countries held their first joint military parade, showcasing their strong relationship and political ties. China’s main reason for supporting North Korea is due to their shared distrust of the USA. Over the years, the two countries have signed numerous agreements concerning defence, trade and culture. In addition, they are both maintainers of socialism and are suspicious towards western capitalist values and interference.
Russia
Similarly, Russia is a significant supporter of North Korea. It supported the country in the Korean War and has regularly supplied its ally with weapons, advisory and finance. It has also signed multiple agreements with North Korea in the areas of culture, economy, trade and migration. However, unlike China, Russia still keeps its distance from North Korea, likely due to its sensitivity towards Western foreign policy. It has also made clear that it does not support Pyongyang either economically or militarily, preferring to stick to only its stand on security issues.
Iran
The nation of Iran and North Korea are also unlikely allies. Traditionally, both countries have been sceptical of western and international involvement in their affairs and as such, have formed strong ties. This was especially visible when Kim Jong-un visited Tehran in 2018. During this trip, the two countries discussed avenues for cooperation and improvement, and this could point towards further extensions of their alliance in the future.
Vietnam
Vietnam is another unlikely friend of North Korea, even though the two countries had fought a bloody war together in 1950. However, relations between the two countries started to improve once they achieved independence from colonial rule. This led to development of allies in terms of military and international law. In recent years, the two countries have collaborated in the areas of trade and joint business opportunities. Vietnam has also sought to adopt some aspects of North Korea’s ‘juche’ ideology, an amalgamation of Marxism and Stalinism.
Syria
While Syria was not initially a supporter of North Korea, over the past few years, the two countries have held military exchange programmes, with extensive knowledge being shared on the manufacture of chemical weapons. In addition, the Syrian government has sought to purchase weapons from North Korea, which could cause security concerns in the region. However, it is not clear the extent of the military and technical relationship between the two countries.
Implications
Despite North Korea’s reputation, it still has a number of friends and allies who it works with around the world. While their reasons for friendship may vary and sometimes harbour ulterior motives, it is undeniable that North Korea has been able to build and sustain successful ties with other nations. This could point to a shift in the international perception of North Korea from an isolated, secretive nation to one that is more open and willing to cooperate.
Economic Impact
The alliance between North Korea and its allies has had a positive economic impact on the country. This, in turn, has led to a better quality of life for its citizens. North Korea has been able to purchase equipment, food and agricultural production that has earned it respect from its allies. The exchange of military and technical expertise has also helped North Korea to better protect itself from external threats. Additionally, North Korea’s engagement with countries like Iran and Vietnam has helped it to build a more diverse economy.
Political Impact
The relationships between North Korea and its allies also have a significant political impact. North Korea’s involvement in the global stage allows it to gain more international legitimacy. This is beneficial as it grants North Korea a greater access to resources and encourages countries to enter into negotiations with Pyongyang. Likewise, its cooperation with its allies provides the country with leverage when it comes to political negotiations. Additionally, these partnerships have also served to lessen tensions between North Korea and its rivals.
Cultural Impact
The alliance between North Korea and its allies has also had a cultural impact. North Korea’s involvement in international events, such as the Olympics and art festivals by its citizens, has helped to break down its traditional seclusion from the global arena. By attending such events, North Korean citizens have been exposed to the culture and values of their respective allies. This has helped to open the country to different perspectives which have admittedly changed its internal culture in the long-run.
Policy Impact
On a policy standpoint, North Korea’s relationships with other countries have helped to shape its foreign policy. North Korea has used its allies as a platform to create new policies and bypass sanctions imposed on the country by international organizations. This suggests that North Korea is willing to use its allies to further its agenda, although it does remain cautious in its dealings with them.
Criticism
Despite the positive aspects of North Korea’s alliances with other countries, there have been criticisms from external observers. For example, some have pointed to the potential misuse of resources by North Korea to support authoritarianism or to acquire nuclear arms. Similarly, North Korea has been accused of exploiting its relationship with its allies to gain access to weapons, funds and political support. Concerns have also been raised over North Korea’s possible interference in the affairs of its allies. As such, it is clear that North Korea’s alliances remain contentious and often subject to criticism.
