Chinese and Russian officials recently met in North Korea to review NK’s new nuclear-capable missile launchers and attack drones during a military parade. The parade itself was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.
The current Russian minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu attended and his presence marked the first time a Russian minister had visited in a military context since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In the past, Russia and China distanced themselves from North Korea, especially during times when NK displayed open hostility with nuclear intent towards Western or Western-allied countries. This shift in behavior indicates the ever-growing anti-US stance of China, Russia, and North Korea.
The parade included the Hwasong 17 and 18 missiles that, according to North Korean state media, have the capability to reach the mainland United States. The attack drones also allegedly have advanced surveillance capabilities too.
After the parade, the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, hosted lunch with Shoigu. On this occasion he stated that North Korea stands in solidarity with Russia regarding its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, was not able to attend. He, however, recorded a voice message for the North Korean leader, in which he thanked him for his support.
Russia has attempted many times to undermine US interests and the US dollar in the world, trying to form its own coalition to make a currency to rival the petrodollar.
Russia and China cozying up to North Korea marks an interesting turn of events in the political sphere. Although both countries have traditionally acted against US interests on smaller levels, the invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022 seems to have significantly altered the relationship of these 3 countries with the Western world.
