As US-China relations fray, expect more shows of China-North Korea unity, analysts say
- Visits by Chinese, Russian delegations to Pyongyang signal an alignment for a ‘common interest’, according to observers
- Strengthening ties between the three nations suggest ‘tacit agreement’ on North Korea’s nuclear development, expert says
Li Hongzhong, a member of the Politburo, the Communist Party’s 24-member decision-making body, along with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, attended a military parade in Pyongyang on Thursday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Korean war armistice.
“The Chinese side, together with the North Korean side, has a willingness to promote sound and stable development of China-North Korea relations, provide the peoples of the two countries with happiness and make a positive contribution to achieving regional peace and stability, prosperity and development,” Li said during a welcome banquet on Wednesday, according to North Korean state media.
Li and Shoigu are among the first foreign guests Pyongyang has invited into the country since it was locked down during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Li is the first Chinese official to visit North Korea since Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit in 2019.
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North Korea welcomes Chinese, Russian delegates ahead of 70th Korean war anniversary
The missiles are believed to have a range of 15,000km (9,320 miles), making them capable of striking the US mainland. The Hwasong-18, which was test-fired earlier this month following its first test in April, is said to be better at avoiding pre-emptive strikes because it uses solid-fuel engines and takes less time to prepare than liquid-fuel propellants.
