Russian delegation led by Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, and Chinese delegations headed by the Chinese Communist Party Politburo member, Li Hongzhong, visited North Korea to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War’s armistice, celebrated in North Korea as ‘Victory Day.’
It was the first time since the disintegration of the Soviet Union that a Russian Defence Minister visited North Korea. As for China, it was their first delegation since the covid-19 pandemic.
Both the delegations, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un witnessed the military parade that showcased the country’s latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 nuclear-capable intercontinental missiles. These missiles are capable of launching a nuclear attack anywhere in the United States. In addition to this, the new espionage drones also made a fly-past at the ceremony.
At another meeting, the Russian Defence Minister, read a letter by President Putin in which he thanked North Korea for their support during the ‘Special Military Operation’ in Ukraine. According to the Russia RIA State News Agency, the letter said:
“Strong support from the DPRK for the special military operation in Ukraine, (and) solidarity with Russia on key international issues further emphasize our common interest and determination to oppose the policy of the collective West, which prevents the establishment of a truly multipolar, just world order,”
The Chinese Delegation also handed a letter to Kim Jong Un, which according to the Chinese State News Agency said:
“No matter how the international storm changes, safeguarding, consolidating and developing relations between China and North Korea will always be a firm policy direction of the Chinese Communist Party and the government,” Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.
The visit of the Russian and Chinese delegations to North Korea has gained worldwide attention as the three countries, united by their antipathy against the West, have slightly revived the Cold-War world order.
Author: Aleezay Gul is student of Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She has previously worked with the European Student Think Tank as their ambassador to Pakistan, and Institute of Greater Europe as a writer.
