Link to Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/north-koreas-kim-vows-full-support-russia-discusses-partnership-with-putin-2025-09-04/
At a Meeting in Beijing on September 3rd. 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged “full support” for Russia’s military, calling it a “fraternal duty”. This marked his first joint appearance with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi JingPing, During China’s World War II victory celebrations a rare gathering hailed by analysts as a major propaganda win for Kim. According to North Korean state media, Kim and Putin exchange views on global and regional issues, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation and elevate their “special” relationship. Putin praised North Korean troops aiding Russia in the war in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence agency estimates that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers have died so far, with further deployments planned. Notably, security measures were observed, Kim’s aides reportedly sanitized surfaces he touched highlighting ongoing concerns about revealing details about his health. The meeting reinforced the growing military and diplomatic ties between Pyongyang an Moscow, underscored by last years mutual defence treaty.
In my opinion I think that this relationship between Russia and North Korea is a bad thing. If Russia gets full military support from North Korea in its efforts in Ukraine then the war might be favored towards Russia. This article is important because it displays the bond between Russia and North Korea and how they are willing to defend and support one another which could have impacts on the Russo-Ukrainian War and future wars depending on what might happen in the regions. This doesn’t seem to have a big impact on East Asia because with Russia and North Korea becoming closer allies and being in a mutual defence treaty it only feels like it’s just a show of force and tries to make North Korea seem scarier. I think this event is nothing more than a broadcast to the world about North Korea making themselves an impenetrable fortress that won’t be conquered, but realistically no one wants to invade them.
North Korea can respond to this event by sending troops, supplies, weapons, and vehicles to Russia to aid them in Ukraine. Russia can respond to this event by defending North Korea if there was an attack on North Korea. Both stakeholders have very clear options of how the could and should respond.
This event connects to class because we talked about the Ukrainian War and North Korea is supporting Russia with supplies and troops which directly affects the Ukrainian War and might affect the outcome of who wins. This event is also a form of diplomacy because these countries leaders have come together to support and help one another.