North Korea and China Conduct High-Level Meetings with High Regard

The poor living conditions and the communist regime define North Korea. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or North Korea, is a country that is frequently in the news because of its strange totalitarian government, sophisticated arsenal of weapons, and intense rivalry with the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, which is its neighbor. The country, almost isolated from the world to preserve its authoritarian rule, still exists with only close ties to Russia and China. Actually, It is Russia and China that sustain North Korea as a country. Everything from basic needs to military technology is obtained through these countries. Therefore, more than their celebrated missiles, North Korea relies on its relationship with these countries. North Korea appears to be the child constantly yearning to be with its parents, while Russia and China resemble a couple locked in a struggle against a common enemy, their bond tightly intertwined.

There are significant developments in world politics now, especially in Asian politics. We are witnessing a weaker Russia, and China is experiencing an economic slowdown, resulting in a diminishing global superpower aspiration. Tensions are high between the China-Russia alliance and the US-Japan alliance. However, no one is currently prepared for a full-scale war, and everyone is aware of its disastrous effects. Power politics is dominating the world stage now, replacing the emphasis on weapons. Countries are aligning themselves with others and bolstering them with financial support and political appeasement. The United States, China, Russia, India, and everyone else is engaged in this race for domination in power politics. By convening high-level official meetings and investing in infrastructure, China is strategically pulling more countries onto its side. China is also keen to bolster relationships with North Korea to effectively counter the threat from South Korea and Japan. During the highest-level talks between the allies in years, a senior Chinese official reaffirmed ties with North Korea on Saturday during a visit with the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. It was reported as a friendly get-together between two amicable nations, but when we consider the geopolitics of the area, it becomes intriguing. These countries are known for hiding the truths, perhaps even better than the United States.

China, The main diplomatic and financial supporter of North Korea looks forward to deepening their relationship. In honor of the anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations, North Korea and China are anticipated to have several exchanges this year. During the 1950–1953 Korean War, China fought on behalf of the isolated communist state against the US and other countries. China’s efforts prevented the Korean reunion and preserved communist rule. The relationship has persisted over the years, with China reportedly breaking UN sanctions in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program and missile launches. Additionally, China supports North Korea’s fragile economy to meet their demands.

North Korea has recently tested missiles, aimed at frightening South Korea and its ally, the United States. This is the backdrop against which the conference is being held. Zhao Leji, the third-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee and the chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, is conducting talks in Pyongyang. Zhao stated that since the two nations’ diplomatic relations were established 75 years ago, they have been “Good neighbors and struggled together to attain a common destiny and level of development”, as reported by Xinhua, the Chinese official news agency.

Zhao’s visit to North Korea marked the first bilateral exchange involving a Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member since the pandemic, which holds significant importance despite claims that it was a friendly meetup. This importance stems from it being the first such exchange after the COVID-19 lockdown. Several events occurred during this period. Kim traveled to Russia in September for a summit with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. According to experts, the deepening relationship with China and Russia could help North Korea to take more aggressive actions in the region. However, amid these accusations, stories of strong friendship between these countries may cause concerns for the people of East Asia.