U.S. Urges China to Influence Russia and North Korea Amid Troop Deployment to Ukraine

The United States and South Korea have called on China to leverage its influence over Russia and North Korea to prevent further escalation in the conflict in Ukraine. This appeal comes after North Korea deployed thousands of troops to support Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine[AP News).

Senior U.S. diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, held an unusual meeting with China’s ambassador to the U.S. to express American concerns and encourage China to use its influence to limit North Korea’s collaboration with Russia. Blinken emphasized that China understands the U.S. expectations and that this is a global call for action, not just a U.S. signal[AP News).

Despite China’s historical alliance with North Korea, Beijing has remained silent on the matter. Chinese officials are reportedly troubled by North Korea’s military provocations, including frequent missile tests, and prefer that North Korea rein in its aggressive nuclear weapons program. China has previously supported United Nations sanctions against North Korea and is cautious about the potential for Russia to share advanced technologies and intelligence with North Korea.

Experts suggest that China might disapprove of the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea, viewing it as a destabilizing factor in the region. Shi Yinhong, an international relations scholar at Renmin University in China, noted that the partnership between Russia and North Korea contradicts Beijing’s aspiration for a tranquil Korean Peninsula.

China’s silence on the issue is seen as indicative of its complex position. Chinese President Xi Jinping has cultivated a strong personal rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he must also navigate the delicate balance between supporting Moscow and avoiding tensions with the West, especially given China’s current economic challenges.