North Korea, China, and Russia Commemorate 'Victory' Anniversary while Aligning on Ukraine Conflict

Pyongyang hosts delegations from Russia and China to celebrate Korean War victory, underscoring geopolitical alliances amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

North Korea, Russia, and China came together in Pyongyang to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War's end while simultaneously displaying their alignment over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The event showcased the close ties between North Korea and its key allies, Russia and China, at a time when geopolitical tensions remain high.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who played a prominent role in Moscow's assault on Ukraine, was welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two leaders toured a defense exposition, featuring an array of weaponry, including nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and state-of-the-art drones from Pyongyang's arsenal.

During a state reception, North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam expressed unequivocal support for Russia's "just struggle" to defend its sovereignty and security in Ukraine. Shoigu reciprocated, praising the might of the Korean People's Army (KPA) and reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation.

Similarly, the Chinese delegation, led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong, was thanked by a senior North Korean official for its role in the Korean War. The delegates from both Russia and China attending the armistice anniversary underscored the significance Pyongyang places on its relationships with these nations.

Experts have noted that Shoigu's presence in North Korea signals the growing closeness between Pyongyang and Moscow since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, it also highlights the limited number of allies Russia and China have, given their willingness to support a regime often considered rogue by the international community.

The Korean War armistice, signed on July 27, 1953, officially ended hostilities, but no formal peace treaty has been agreed upon, leading to the ongoing tension on the Korean Peninsula. The US maintained a significant military presence in South Korea after the war, contributing to the regional complexities.

Russia and China's steadfast support for North Korea's interests in international forums has complicated efforts by Western powers, led by the US, to impose further sanctions on the nation.

The joint commemoration event in Pyongyang reflects how these three authoritarian nuclear powers are presenting a united front over Ukraine, where Russia's invasion has faced fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces and support from countries like North Korea.

Meanwhile, Russian and Chinese militaries conducted joint exercises, emphasizing their commitment to regional stability and preparedness for various security challenges. The military drills occurred alongside displays of strength by South Korea and the US in the waters off the Korean Peninsula.

Thursday's event concluded with a military parade in Pyongyang, during which North Korea exhibited its latest weaponry, including the Hwasong-18 ICBM—a nuclear-capable missile that the nation claims can strike anywhere in the United States.

The commemoration and ensuing displays of military might serve as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and alliances shaping the Korean Peninsula and the broader geopolitical landscape.