The Korean War has become a defining moment in modern history, a struggle between East and West and a microcosm of the Cold War waged by a number of nations. North Korea was one of the most important players in this conflict, yet the world has long forgotten the countries and partisan groups who sided with its cause.
North Korea had a number of allies in its struggle against the South Korean and American forces. Foremost amongst these nations was perennial supporter China. Chinese troops were instrumental in pushing back South Korean forces and nearly succeeded in pushing American forces off the peninsula in 1951. It also provided economic aid and military support in the form of advisors and heavy weapons such as air defense artillery. Chinese forces were particularly effective when fighting in mountainous terrain.
The Soviet Union quickly joined the fray, providing military support and economic aid to the North Korean effort. This included significant political involvement in seeking to prevent the United Nations from intervening in the conflict, as well as sending military advisors to help with strategy and weapons. The Soviets also moved in materiel to support the North Korean forces, including tanks, fighters, bombers and other arms.
Several other nations also threw their weight behind North Korea. Albania, Bulgaria, East Germany, Mongolia and Romania all provided diplomatic and economical support for the North Koreans. China’s nominal allies in the Communist Bloc, such as North Vietnam and Cambodia, also united behind North Korea, though the conflict did not involve them directly. North Koreans received additional support from the Non-Aligned Movement countries and from neutral nations such as India and Switzerland as well.
In addition to the international support, North Korean civilians also joined their nation’s cause with unexpected fervor. Despite the heavy losses suffered, both in terms of lives and material wealth, local militias rallied around the flag and joined regular troops in battles against the South Korean and American forces. This has been attributed to a powerful sense of patriotism and loyalty to the communist cause.
The Korean War may have ended in stalemate, but with the support of so many countries and individuals, North Korea was able to resist the powerful forces arrayed against it. Although their allies were from one side of the Cold War, North Korea managed to hold its own and remain a strong nation to this day.
Chinese Involvement
China’s level of involvement in the Korean War was unparalleled, and can be considered the primary external force supporting North Korea. From the outset of the war, Chinese forces crossed the border to support North Korea and lend manpower to the conflict. This was far from the only form of Chinese assistance, and in a matter of weeks the Chinese Air Force had airlifted hundreds of thousands of men into the Korean Peninsula.
The Chinese were also instrumental insupplying arms to the North Korean forces, which were then used to challenge and defeat American and South Korean forces. The Chinese supply lines of weaponry was extensive, and included more conventional weapons such as tanks and small arms, as well as larger and more sophisticated pieces such as ballistic missiles and fighter jets.
China’s direct involvement in the war was significant, but their indirect impact was even larger. China provided a platform for North Korean soldiers to be trained in their new tactics and weaponry. Chinese advisors were common on the battlefield and even took part in directing North Korean forces in some cases. Additionally, the massive influx of Chinese troop numbers allowed North Korea to field a much larger army then would have been possible solely from their own population.
China’s role in the Korean War should not be underestimated. Without their presence, the North Korean forces would have been greatly hampered and the war might have ended much sooner. China’s intervention was essential in keeping North Korea in the war, and thus their involvement should not be forgotten.
Soviet Involvement
The Soviet Union’s role in the Korean War was almost as important as the Chinese. While the Chinese committed significant forces to ground fighting, the Soviets provided much of the economic and political support necessary for the North Korean forces to continue their fight. The USSR provided economic support in the form of aid packages and credits, while they also supplied a range of weapons to the North Korean forces.
Politically, the Soviets were instrumental in the war. They used their veto power in the United Nations Security Council to try and prevent the international community from intervening in the conflict. The Soviets also used the war to test new weapons, such as their first jet fighters, and to determine the effectiveness of their modern warfare tactics.
The Soviets also provided military advisors and technicians to support the North Korean forces, particularly in the air and on the ground. Soviet military advisors helped to craft strategy and ensure North Korean forces were employing the most effective tactics. Soviet technicians also helped with maintenance and upkeep of weapons, increasing their effectiveness in the field.
It is clear that without Soviet support the Korean War would have progressed much differently. The Soviets provided the support necessary for North Korean forces to continue to fight, even in the face of heavy losses. This support combined with direct Chinese involvement to keep North Korea in the war for over 2 years, resistance that ultimately failed due to external factors rather than North Korean weakness.
Albanian Support
Despite being far from the Korean Peninsula, Albania was one of North Korea’s most important allies. This small nation, newly occupied by its Communist government, provided essential political and moral support for the North Korean struggle. Albania was the first country to recognize North Korea’s provisional government, and expressed its unreserved support for Kim Il-Sung’s rule.
Albania was also one of the few countries to offer significant economic support. This included aid packages and forms of military assistance, including weapons and military advisors. Albania also provided material support in the form of field hospitals, doctors, and medical supplies. All of this was invaluable to the North Korean army, allowing them to sustain their effort against a superior foe.
While Albania’s contributions may not have been as significant as those of the other nations mentioned, it provided an important form of moral support. Albania was an unequivocal supporter of North Korea and its cause, and this bolster of morale increased North Korean confidence in the face of overwhelming odds. Furthermore, Albania’s support was vital in rallying support from other nations, showing them that not everyone was unified in the condemnation of North Korea.
Mongolia’s Role
Mongolia was another far-flung ally of North Korea, but its role in the war was also significant. It too provided moral support for the North, joining the chorus of support from the Communist nations. Mongolia sent a delegation of volunteers to Korea to fight alongside North Koreans and proved essential in rallying and coordinating with Communist allies to send additional aid and assistance.
Mongolia also increased its economic assistance to North Korea. This included financial aid and military assistance, both of which were beneficial to the North Koreans. Furthermore, Mongolia signed a mutual defense pact with North Korea, though it never provided direct military involvement in the Korean War. Mongolian delegates also joined the armistice negotiations in 1953, adding to the pressure on the American military personnel.
Mongolia was also important in helping to boost morale in the North Korean military. Mongolian fighters were renowned in the Korean War and their presence on the battlefield was seen as a sign of the importance of North Korea’s cause amongst its allies. Furthermore, Mongolia’s national hero, Sukhbaatar, received his posthumous nickname after helping to expel Chinese forces from the country during the Mongol-Chinese War of 1919.
Indian Involvement
India was one of the few neutral nations to side with North Korea in the conflict. India recognized the North Korean provisional government and declared its neutrality in the conflict. India attempted to remain impartial in the conflict, however, it could not ignore the plight of the North Koreans and provided both political and material support.
India’s willingness to accept North Korean refugees, send medical and food supplies, and its economic and political support were invaluable. India also dispatched a goodwill mission to Pyongyang, which raised the profile of the North Korean forces in the international arena and helped to bolster morale on the battlefield. In addition, India provided a much-needed source of diplomatic support, defending North Korean rule and advocating for peace in the region.
Indian involvement was also key in rallying support from other non-aligned nations. India’s focus on remaining neutral was appealing to a number of countries such as Egypt and Yugoslavia, and helped to increase the level of support North Korea received from non-aligned nations. Overall, India’s support for North Korea was invaluable, providing crucial assistance in its hour of need.
Swiss Involvement
Switzerland too provided moral and material support for North Korea during the conflict. The Swiss government offered asylum for North Korean refugees, sent medical personnel and supplies to aid military casualties, and provided emergency food aid for those affected by the conflict. This assistance was offered in addition to Switzerland’s traditional role of diplomatic mediator and peace negotiator.
The Swiss government also helped to organize an aid program and opened its borders to North Korean refugees. The Swiss Red Cross organized a donation program to support North Korea, which provided food and basic goods. This assistance was crucial in helping to keep North Korea in the war, as it provided a much needed source of comfort and hope for those affected by the conflict.
Swiss involvement was especially symbolic, as their intervention showed that even neutral nations could not remain impartial and had to take a stand. Switzerland’s presence was noted by international observers, and its assistance was greatly appreciated by the North Koreans. It also served to further demonstrate to the world the seriousness and humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
