Officials from China have avoided direct comment on North Korea’s despatch of thousands of troops to Russia, where they might help in a conflict that all three countries see as a contest against overweening American might. China itself is a crucial if undeclared backer of Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, providing technological support for Russia’s defence industries. But behind closed doors, Chinese officials may question North Korea’s move.
To celebrate their forging of diplomatic relations 75 years ago, China and North Korea describe 2024 as a “year of friendship". China insists that their ties are “as close as lips and teeth". But on Chinese social media—which are normally heavily censored to skew opinion in favour of authoritarian countries—some netizens with large followings have been wondering whether North Korea may have harmed China’s interests.
Unlock Premium Insights from The Economist
Take your experience further with Mint Premium- access unparalleled insights on important global issues
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Login
Premium benefits
30+ articles from print edition and premium publication daily
Present across social media apps to keep you updated
In-depth Market Reports from leading experts
Most loved Mint podcasts on 35+ topics
Sharp insights supported by simple data and visuals
Unlock 30+ well researched
and bias free premium articles daily
Access to global insights with
100+ exclusive articles from
international publications
Get complimentary access to
3+ investment based apps
TRENDLYNE Get One Month GuruQ plan at Rs 1
FINOLOGY Free finology subscription for 1 month.
SMALLCASE 20% off on all smallcases
5+ subscriber only newsletters
specially curated by the experts
Free access to e-paper and
WhatsApp updates
Not convinced yet?
Share your contact details and
we will get in touch with you…
= 48 && event.charCode Confirm
Thanks for sharing your number