Why Does Russia And China Support North Korea

Russia and China have two of the biggest global influences when it comes to international collaborations. Both countries are known for their strong bilateral ties and for backing North Korea in the face of international criticism. North Korea, for its part, relies on its two allies for diplomatic, financial and military support, allowing it to remain isolated from the global community. So why do Russia and China support North Korea?

Relationship between China and North Korea

The bond between China and North Korea has been strong for decades, with the two countries sharing a similar ideology. China is seen as North Korea’s protector and has provided billions of dollars in aid over the past few years. This bond has been strengthened by the Chinese Communist Party’s support of North Korea’s ruling regime. China’s main goal is to ensure that North Korea remains a buffer zone between itself and South Korea, a country heavily reliant on the United States for protection. China also provides North Korea with energy and other resources that the country would otherwise struggle to acquire on its own.

Relationship between Russia and North Korea

Russia and North Korea also have a strong and well established relationship. The two countries share a border and are politically and economically intertwined. Russia has provided North Korea with diplomatic and military aid, while North Korea acts as an ally to Russia’s anti-West stance. Russia also provides North Korea with much needed resources, such as oil and gas. The two countries have close ties in the scientific and technological fields and have collaborated on several projects.

The North Korean nuclear program

North Korea’s nuclear program is another key factor contributing to China and Russia’s support of the country. China and Russia are both against a nuclear arms buildup in the region, but they are more supportive of North Korea’s development of a nuclear deterrent due to the country’s tenuous relationship with the West. Russia and China believe that a nuclear North Korea would help stabilize the region and prevent conflict.

Geopolitics

Russia and China’s support of North Korea is also motivated by geopolitical considerations. Both countries are interested in maintaining their influence in the region and balancing US power in the Pacific. Supporting North Korea is a way for them to challenge the US’s political and economic dominance. North Korea also acts as a useful strategic asset in terms of China’s defense strategy, as it has long been a target of US aggression and could be used as a threat to its arch-rival, South Korea.

Implications For the Region

The support that China and Russia provide to North Korea can have far-reaching implications for the region. The countries’ backing perpetuates North Korea’s rogue behavior, allowing the country to continue to engage in activities such as nuclear proliferation, political repression, and cyber aggression. The countries’ support also serves to undermine the US’s efforts to negotiate towards increased security and stability in the region.

Economic and Business Ties

China and Russia also have a strong economic agenda when it comes to North Korea. Both countries have massive investments in North Korea, ranging from infrastructure projects to joint ventures and other business opportunities. North Korea is a relatively cheap labor market and offers Chinese and Russian investors access to the vast consumer base in the region.

Coexistence and Geostrategic Interests

Ultimately, Russia and China’s support of North Korea is motivated by a desire for coexistence and geostrategic interests. By working together, China and Russia can create a more balanced distribution of global power and use North Korea as a counterweight to US influence in the region. Furthermore, by backing North Korea, China and Russia can ensure that the country remains financially and militarily strong, a safeguard against any potential Western aggression.

Diplomatic Maneuvering

China and Russia’s support of North Korea also serves to strengthen their diplomatic standing. Both countries are committed to preserving the status quo and are willing to work with North Korea in order to preserve their own interests. By leveraging their diplomatic ties with North Korea, China and Russia can exert more influence on regional and global issues such as nuclear non-proliferation and regional security.

Security

Finally, Russia and China see North Korea as a key security partner. North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and military prowess offer a unique strategic advantage and a powerful deterrence against potential antagonists. China and Russia benefit from North Korea’s security policies and view the country as key to maintaining regional stability.

Political Concerns

Russia and China’s support of North Korea is also motivated by political considerations. Both countries are wary of any potential changes in North Korea’s government that could lead to instability. In particular, neither country wants to see North Korea become an American ally, as this could threaten their own interests in the region.

International Influences

The international community plays a major role in China and Russia’s support of North Korea. Both countries are hesitant to alienate the international community and they understand that a more accommodating stance on North Korea is necessary in order to maintain their good standing. China and Russia must also take into account the opinions of their fellow permanent members of the United Nations Security Council when deciding how to engage with North Korea.

Regional Security

China and Russia’s support of North Korea is also driven by their mutual desire for regional security. By supporting North Korea, both countries can help ensure that the country remains stable and secure. Furthermore, their backing of North Korea serves to balance US power in the region, allowing the two countries to exert their own influence over what happens in East Asia.

Military Presence

Russia and China also have a vested interest in North Korea’s military presence. Both countries benefit from North Korea’s capabilities as a deterrent against potential US aggression. Additionally, North Korea’s military strength allows China and Russia to maintain a presence in the region, helping to bolster their respective interests.

Global Positioning

Russia and China’s support of North Korea also serves to give them a more powerful global position. By aligning themselves with North Korea, the two countries can show the world the depth and strength of their strategic partnership. Furthermore, their backing of North Korea gives them the upper hand in international negotiations and can be used to counter US influence.