North Korea Opens Borders, Sends Message of Solidarity with Beijing and Moscow
TOKYO — North Korea has taken a bold step this week by reopening its borders to visitors for the first time since the start of the pandemic, sending a clear message of solidarity with its allies Beijing and Moscow. This move comes despite efforts led by the United States to isolate all three nations.
The reopening was marked by a massive military parade in Pyongyang, where North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood alongside Russian defense chief Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Politburo member Li Hongzhong. The parade was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement.
The presence of Shoigu, who is overseeing the invasion of Ukraine, is significant as he is the first Russian defense minister to visit North Korea since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It underscores the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea.
The message sent by this event is clear: Russia and China are firmly standing by North Korea, despite international pressure over its nuclear and weapons programs. It also indicates that North Korea is slowly beginning to open its doors after more than three years of strict border closures.
During the parade, North Korea showcased its new drones and short-range missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads. This display highlighted the country’s determination to proceed with its weapons development, despite international condemnation.
Earlier in the week, Kim guided Shoigu through a defense exhibition featuring banned ballistic missiles. This move, along with Russia and China’s repeated blocking of UN resolutions against North Korea, raises concerns about their role in enabling Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile program.
China and Russia have been drawing North Korea closer, aiming to reduce U.S. influence in the region. China has made strategic overtures to North Korea since the breakdown of U.S.-North Korea diplomatic talks in 2019. Meanwhile, North Korea has become a vocal supporter of Russia, even refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The visit of the Russian and Chinese delegations comes as the United States, South Korea, and Japan are increasing their security cooperation in response to North Korean threats. The leaders of these three countries are set to hold their first summit next month, underscoring their commitment to address the ongoing tensions in the region.
Although North Korea’s reopening to these delegations raises questions about the possibility of a full border reopening, no official statements have been made regarding potential policy shifts.
The visit of Li Hongzhong, the most senior Chinese official to visit North Korea since the start of the pandemic, highlights the historical ties and friendly exchanges between the two countries. China’s new ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, also attended the 70th anniversary banquet, signaling a renewed diplomatic effort between the two nations.
The United States has previously raised concerns about Russia procuring artillery shells and rockets from North Korea, allegations that Pyongyang has denied. This situation stands in stark contrast to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Ukraine, where he pledged military supplies and humanitarian aid to support the country.
As the complex dynamics between North Korea, China, Russia, and their counterparts unfold, the international community awaits further developments and potential shifts in regional dynamics.