China reaffirms neutral stance as North Korea sends troops to aid Russia in Ukraine conflict

China has insisted it is untroubled by strengthening military ties between North Korea and Russia, after US intelligence indicated that around 8,000 North Korean troops have reportedly arrived near Russia’s border with Ukraine, ready to support Russian forces.

"North Korea and Russia are both independent sovereign nations. How they choose to manage their bilateral relations is entirely up to them," said Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

As his prolonged campaign in Ukraine continues, President Vladimir Putin has sought additional support from North Korea.

This marks the first occasion in more than a century that Russia has invited foreign forces to its territory. According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, around 8,000 North Korean soldiers, out of an estimated 10,000 in Russia, have reached the Kursk border region near Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration, criticising what he described as a lack of response from allied nations to the presence of North Korean troops and noted his disappointment in China’s "silence" on the matter.

In response, Beijing stated on Friday that it was unaware of "specifics" surrounding North Korea and Russia’s cooperation.

"China maintains its position, hoping that all parties will work towards de-escalation and pursue a political solution to the Ukraine crisis," Lin reaffirmed.

Meanwhile, during a recent news conference following discussions with South Korean foreign and defence ministers, Blinken stated that although North Korean troops have yet to engage directly in combat, their deployment to frontline positions is expected in the coming days. 

US sources report that Russia has been training North Korean forces in artillery usage, drone operations, and trench clearing – an indication that they may be utilised in active combat roles soon.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has disclosed that these troops have also been issued Russian uniforms, warning that should North Korean forces participate in combat operations, they would become legitimate targets for Ukrainian forces.

Furthermore, since the onset of the "special military operation," North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has consistently demonstrated steadfast support for Russia and its people, disregarding external opinions, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui remarked during discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"From the outset of the special military operation, our esteemed Chairman of State Affairs Kim Jong-un, issued instructions that we, without hesitation, must steadfastly and strongly support and assist the Russian military and the Russian people in their sacred war," she stated.

By Aghakazim Guliyev