North Korea celebrated the 70th anniversary of “Victory Day” on Thursday, marking the end of the Korean War. The event saw the arrival of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and a Chinese delegation led by a Communist Party Politburo member. This marked the first visit by prominent foreign visitors to North Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the visit, Shoigu accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a defense exhibition that showcased North Korea’s banned ballistic missiles. These nuclear-capable missiles are prohibited under United Nations Security Council resolutions, which were adopted with the support of Russia and China.
The presence of these banned missiles provided a backdrop for a display of solidarity between Russia, China, and North Korea, countries united by their rivalry with the U.S. and their historical Cold War-era coalition. The international community, including the United Nations, reiterated the importance of upholding Security Council resolutions in response to the exhibition.
This visit also marked the first time a Russian defense minister has visited North Korea since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. It signifies North Korea’s increased engagement with the world after a period of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to North Korean state media, Kim Jong Un expressed support for Russia’s “battle for justice” and protection of its sovereignty. The visit also included a meeting between Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s envoy, Li Hongzhong, highlighting China’s commitment to its friendship with North Korea.
The visit culminated in a nighttime military parade, which showcased North Korea’s latest weapons, including mobile missiles. U.S.-based satellite radar firm Umbra captured images of these missiles, which were arranged in order, suggesting the display of North Korea’s longest-range systems. North Korean state media did not report on the parade as of Thursday night.
The United States expressed concerns about the ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly in light of Russia’s alleged support for North Korea’s unlawful weapons programs and its failure to crack down on sanctions evasion activities. The U.S. accuses North Korea of shipping weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, although both countries deny the claims.
Shoigu’s inspection of North Korean missiles during his visit raises the possibility of more overt support for North Korea from Russia, especially as Russia faces isolation from the West due to the conflict in Ukraine. Some analysts suggest that Moscow’s acceptance of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program signifies a shift in Russia’s stance on global non-proliferation efforts.
The simultaneous visits by high-ranking officials from Russia and China indicate a revival of the historical Russian-Chinese-North Korean coalition, although the leadership of this coalition is now likely to be led from Beijing rather than Moscow, according to policy analysts.
Overall, the visits by Russian and Chinese delegations to North Korea during the 70th anniversary of “Victory Day” highlight the increasing engagement and solidarity among these countries, as well as the challenges they pose to international security and non-proliferation efforts.