By: Jillian Wu

Surprisingly, North Korea has once again opened its borders to outsiders, for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak started. This action is considered to convey a clear message: despite efforts to isolate their nation from the United States, North Korea is standing with its friends Beijing and Moscow.

The 70th anniversary of the Korean War pact was commemorated by a sizable military parade attended by Chinese Politburo member Li Hongzhong and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Due to the presence of China’s and Russia’s top leaders, the parade served as a demonstration of North Korea’s military prowess and a sign of its close ties to both countries.

High-ranking officials’ trips to Pyongyang show that China and Russia continue to help North Korea despite concerns about its nuclear and military programs. The move raises questions about the effectiveness of international efforts to curb North Korea’s missile tests.

According to Wi Sung-lac, a former South Korea ambassador to Russia, “China and Russia are special partners for North Korea at this moment,” which is concerning since “China and Russia are sort of enablers for North Korea to go ahead with the nuclear and missile program.”

North Korea, China, and Russia are growing closer together as geopolitical factors in the area change; perhaps their ambition is to lessen American influence around the world. Russia and North Korea have promised to increase their collaboration in addressing regional and global security issues.

Different reactions have been made to the situation, with U.S. intelligence officials expressing alarm over Russia purchasing rockets and artillery from North Korea. To counter North Korean threats, South Korea and Japan are stepping up their security cooperation.

The entire community is holding its breath as North Korea’s borders reopen following a protracted period of isolation, nervously awaiting the next steps in this unfolding geopolitical thriller. The recent trip to Pyongyang by senior Chinese officials serves as a reminder of the two countries’ intricate history of relations.

Every move North Korea makes in this delicate dance of relationships is closely watched by its neighbors. Depending on the choices taken by its leadership, North Korea’s actions might have far-reaching repercussions on regional and global security, with tensions perhaps rising.

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