Why China is wary of Russia and North Korea’s security deal — but not alarmed | NK News
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December 22, 2024

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Why China is wary of Russia and North Korea’s security deal — but not alarmed

Mutual defense treaty could encourage US military presence, yet Beijing knows it has leverage over Moscow and Pyongyang

North Korea and Russia made a show of deepening their military cooperation by signing the new Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last week — asserting mutual defense commitments, and in the process, creating new problems for their shared partner Beijing.

While China has not publicly revealed its thoughts on the treaty, it is unlikely to welcome the security pledge and other clauses that embrace cooperation in areas like nuclear energy.

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