Background information
Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, North Korea has been ruled by a communist dynasty that follows an isolationist foreign policy and an authoritarian domestic agenda. It is one of the most reclusive nations in the world and its government retains great control over its borders. China and Russia are North Korea’s only two allies, and both have been responsible for providing the country with economic and military support.
China & Russia Relations with North Korea
China and Russia’s support of North Korea is strategic and complex. China is North Korea’s closest ally and is often referred to as the “kind older brother” to the isolated nation. Beijing has repeatedly disregarded international pressure to condemn North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests. In addition to economic activities, China provides North Korea with much-needed military support. This includes intelligence sharing, access to beneficial military technologies, and arms deals.
Russia has similarly maintained strong ties with Pyongyang. Russia provides North Korea with diplomatic, political and economic support. Additionally, Russia has been willing to make an effort to assist North Korea in launching its satellite programs and in modernizing its military.
China’s Strategic Interests
China has a vested interest in maintaining a reliable buffer zone between itself and US-aligned South Korea. North Korea acts as a buffer between China and South Korea and prevents the US from advancing further into its regional interests. In addition to this, China has strong economic interests in North Korea. China is the leading export destination for North Korean goods, and it is also the source of much needed food and energy for Pyongyang.
Russia’s Strategic Interests
Russia’s strategic interests in North Korea are largely influenced by its rivalry with the US. Moscow has long seen North Korea’s nuclear program as an opportunity to dominate the region and act as a counterbalance to American interests. The Kremlin has extended assistance to North Korea in its effort to acquire a nuclear deterrent, and continues to provide diplomatic and military support to Pyongyang.
Implications of China & Russia’s Support
China and Russia’s support of North Korea have enabled Pyongyang to maintain its nuclear program, despite international condemnation. International efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapon development have been largely unsuccessful due to the support of North Korea’s allies. As a result, the world has been forced to live in the shadow of nuclear war for years, as North Korea has demonstrated a willingness to use its weapons in the face of international pressure.
Experts’ Perspectives
International relations experts point out that China and Russia’s support for North Korea has long been motivated by their political and economic interests in the region. Dr. Vladimir Shubin from the University of Maryland explains, “Ultimately, it is in the interest of China and Russia to maintain a volatile regime such as North Korea in order to secure their own interests in the region, namely their geopolitical and economic interests, and to prevent the US from advancing further into their regional ambitions”.
Analysis & Insight
Despite the tension that is currently roiling the region, China and Russia’s apparent determination to maintain the status quo in North Korea is a demonstration of their willingness to use North Korea as a tool for achieving their own goals. Their actions may also be an indication of their wariness of American and Western power, which could play an increasingly influential role in East Asia.
The Impact of International Sanctions on North Korea
International sanctions have had a severe impact on the economy of North Korea. The sanctions have limited Pyongyang’s ability to acquire foreign currency, which in turn has hampered its efforts to purchase energy and materials for development. China and Russia have provided limited economic assistance to North Korea, but it has not been enough to offset the economic burden imposed by the sanctions.
Political & Social Impact of China & Russia’s Support
China and Russia’s support of North Korea has enabled Pyongyang to remain resistant to change and fiercely opposed to any external influence. This has resulted in a prolonged political stagnation and the continuation of oppressive domestic policies. As a result, the people of North Korea continue to suffer from extreme poverty and human rights violations without any prospect of meaningful change.
Peace Negotiations
China and Russia have played important roles in supporting efforts to negotiate peace between North Korea and other countries in the region, particularly South Korea. Both countries have advocated for denuclearization talks between North Korea and the US, and have signaled their support for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Humanitarian Aid
China and Russia have provided invaluable assistance to North Korean citizens in the form of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid from both countries has helped to mitigate the economic crisis in North Korea, providing food aid and medical supplies to those in need. In the long term, the two countries have also discussed greater investment and development projects in North Korea to help spur economic growth.
