China appears to be maintaining a cautious stance as Russia and North Korea deepen their ties through a new defense pact, potentially altering the power dynamics among the three authoritarian states.
Experts suggest that China is concerned about the potential loss of influence over North Korea following the recent agreement between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. This development raises fears of increased instability on the Korean Peninsula. However, China seems to be grappling with conflicting objectives: preserving peace in the Koreas while countering the influence of the U.S. and its allies globally.