In Beijing, there is anxiety because of the deepening of cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which can create new challenges for China. This was stated by US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell during a seminar at the Center for Strategic and International Research (CSIS).
Campbell noted that although China does not express direct criticism against Moscow, the topic of Russian-northern Korean relations is increasing discomfort in dialogue with Chinese diplomats.
According to Campbell, China is warned that Russia's actions can push North Korea to steps that are not consistent with the interests of China itself. Of particular concern is the likely military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which can affect the regional balance of forces.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan suggests that such a partnership can contribute to the intensification of US alliances with South Korea and Japan in East Asia. This, in turn, will further complicate China's realization of its strategic interests in the region.
