China Concerned Over Russia’s Expanding Influence in North Korea, Former U.S. Officials Say

China is reportedly troubled by Russia's growing influence over North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong Un, as Beijing faces the unsettling prospect of losing its influence over its traditionally close ally. 

According to former U.S. policy and intelligence officials, China’s reaction is a blend of “exasperation” and “panic” in response to an evolving security relationship between Russia and North Korea.

For China, the increased partnership between Russia and North Korea poses a direct threat to its strategic dominance in East Asia, experts suggest. As North Korea aligns more closely with Moscow, Beijing’s historical sway over Pyongyang is diminishing, potentially weakening China's regional standing. The implications of this shift, experts warn, are extensive and may lead to long-term challenges for China’s foreign policy goals and its role as a regional power broker.

This concern was highlighted on Wednesday when Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui would engage in “strategic consultations” in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This diplomatic engagement has drawn sharp reactions from the United States, South Korea, and NATO, particularly amid reports that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia for training.

U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia may utilize North Korean soldiers in combat or combat-support roles in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, which has seen intensified hostilities. South Korea has voiced strong disapproval, condemning North Korea’s military support to Russia as a serious threat to global security.

The developing alliance between Russia and North Korea complicates China's geopolitical calculations. For years, China has positioned itself as North Korea’s primary ally, providing critical economic and political support. However, as Pyongyang and Moscow strengthen ties, Beijing faces the risk of isolation and diminished leverage over one of its closest historical allies. This shift not only challenges China’s influence but also raises questions about future alignments and power dynamics in East Asia.