Washington, D.C., June 18, 2024 – The United States has issued stern warnings about escalating support from China and North Korea for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, highlighting deepening geopolitical tensions.
During a recent press conference in Italy, President Joe Biden underscored China’s indirect support for Russia by providing technology and production capabilities, despite President Xi Jinping’s assurances to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that China was not supplying weapons. “China is not supplying weapons but the ability to produce those weapons and the technology available to do it. So, it is, in fact, helping Russia,” Biden asserted.
This statement reflects a tougher stance from the US toward Beijing, amidst ongoing US warnings against aiding Moscow. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed this sentiment in Washington, criticizing China’s dual approach. “Publicly, President Xi has tried to create the impression that he’s taking a back seat in this conflict to avoid sanctions and keep trade flowing. But the reality is that China’s fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II,” Stoltenberg stated at The Wilson Center. He warned that allies might impose costs on China unless it changes course.
Concerns about foreign support for Russia’s military efforts are further compounded by an impending visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea. The Kremlin has promised a “very eventful” itinerary, including discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This trip has heightened alerts in Washington, as it suggests deeper military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines recently informed Congress that Russia has been compelled to make significant concessions to North Korea to replenish its military supplies. Although specific details were not disclosed, this cooperation has led to speculation about potential exchanges of nuclear or missile technology. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell highlighted North Korea’s “provocative” actions, including supplying Russia with artillery and missiles, which have had a substantial impact on the battlefield in Ukraine.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that North Korea had unlawfully transferred ballistic missiles and over 11,000 containers of munitions to Russia, which have been utilized in the conflict against Ukraine. “We have seen those munitions show up on the battlefield in Ukraine. So, we know that they are using DPRK ammunition to threaten Ukraine and kill Ukrainians,” Miller stated.
The US government remains vigilant about the potential reciprocal benefits North Korea might receive from Russia. “What is Russia going to provide in exchange to North Korea, hard currency? Is it energy? Is it capabilities that allow them to advance their nuclear or missile products?” Campbell pondered, expressing concerns about the implications for both Ukraine and Northeast Asia.
White House national security communications adviser John Kirby emphasized the US’s apprehension about the deepening Russia-North Korea relationship, noting its potential impact on both the Ukrainian conflict and security on the Korean Peninsula. “We’re certainly going to be watching that very, very closely,” Kirby said.
In a show of solidarity, Russian President Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea’s support in an article in the official North Korean newspaper, Rodong Sinmun. He praised North Korea as a “committed and like-minded supporter, ready to confront the ambition of the collective West.”
The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, with the potential for significant geopolitical ramifications as alliances shift and deepen in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.