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Allies in Steel: Xi and Putin vow mutual support against the U.S.

China and Russia's leaders, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, have mutually agreed to fortify their relationship as "steel allies," aiming to intensify cooperation significantly and collectively counteract the United States' spheres of influence.

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two leaders, Xi Jinping from China and Vladimir Putin from Russia, advocate for a strong and...
two leaders, Xi Jinping from China and Vladimir Putin from Russia, advocate for a strong and unyielding friendship on Thursday, vowing to escalate collaboration significantly and robustly curb the impact of the United States.

Allies in Steel: Xi and Putin vow mutual support against the U.S.

Headline: Putin and Xi's Warm Handshake Amidst Questions Over North Korea-Russia Relations

Putin and Xi Jinping sport a friendly demeanor as they share a warm handshake during a gala event in the Kremlin, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Amidst these celebrations, however, speculations about the intricate and evolving relationship between Russia and North Korea arise.

Related Articles1. Kim's Top Aide to Attend Russia's Victory Day Celebrations2. North Korean Troops Take Russia by Storm with Songs, Guns, and Drones3. North Korea's Recent Missile Launches: A Potential Threat or Defense Mechanism?

A Strained Yet Solid AllianceRussia and North Korea have been pushing for a stronger partnership in recent times. During a meeting around May 9, 2025, Putin assured Kim Jong-un that Russia and North Korea would continue strengthening their bilateral relations [1]. This commitment echoes the June 2024 bilateral Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signaling a new phase of cooperation between the two nations [3].

Russia has publicly supported North Korea's security measures, including its nuclear and missile programs [3]. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov even argues that North Korea's nuclear shield is essential for its independence and security, criticizing the US-South Korea-Japan military alliances as a provocation [3]. Reports suggest that North Korea may have unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine in March 2025, possibly with Russian aid [4].

A Dance of DistanceDespite the significant emphasis on diplomacy, recent events hint at a more strategic reluctance from North Korea towards Russia on certain occasions. For instance, during Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, 2025, Kim Jong-un surprisingly bypassed the military parade in Moscow and skipped sending a congratulatory message to the reception in Pyongyang, instead opting to oversee missile and artillery drills that highlighted his emphasis on the nuclear arsenal [5]. This actions suggests North Korea might be balancing its relationship with Russia with its military priorities at the moment.

The Impact on the RegionChina, traditionally North Korea's patron, feels the growing closeness between Russia and North Korea as a potential threat to its influence. There's concern that increased Russian involvement, including possible technological assistance in nuclear and missile technologies, could prompt North Korea to act more provocatively and destabilize the region [4].

The Big Picture- The Russian-North Korean partnership seeks to fortify their bilateral relationship, with Moscow openly advocating for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs as legitimate defensive measures [1][3].- Contemporary military-technical cooperation, such as the nuclear submarine revealed in 2025, underscores Moscow's direct support for Pyongyang's defense capabilities [4].- Kim Jong-un's absenteeism from Russia's Victory Day events and focus on missile drills reflect a measured, perhaps cautious approach in the relationship [5].- China has developed increasing discomfort regarding the Russia-North Korea alliance, as it could potentially foster regional instability and erode Beijing's influence over Pyongyang [4].

In conclusion, while the Russia-North Korea partnership remains strategically and diplomatically strong, it is also exhibiting signs of strategic distance and subtle friction amidst shifting regional dynamics.

  1. The Russian-North Korean partnership, seeking to bolster their bilateral relationship, has led Moscow to advocate for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs as legitimate defense mechanisms.
  2. The anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany was celebrated between Putin and Xi, but the lack of Kim Jong-un's presence in the celebrations suggests a measured, potentially cautious approach in the Russia-North Korea relationship.
  3. Reports suggest that North Korea may have unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine with possible Russian aid, raising concerns about increased Russian involvement in North Korean defense capabilities.
  4. As China traditionally serves as North Korea's patron, it sees the growing closeness between Russia and North Korea as a potential threat to its influence, fearing that an escalated Russian involvement could provoke North Korea and destabilize the region.

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