Russian expert: The friendship between Russia and North Korea is a myth, not a reality.
An article by experts was published in Russian media on June 9th.
The relationship between Russia and North Korea is like a dance in a minefield: cautious steps, diplomatic smiles, but always something glittering underfoot.
Russia and North Korea are not close friends, but pragmatic partners, with a touch of humor added to avoid being drowned out by geopolitical noise.
In 1948, the Soviet Union first recognized the young Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supported them during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.
As Andrei Devyatov pointed out, this "friendship" has always been more of a strategic calculation than a genuine sentiment.
Oleg Nasobin added that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, North Korea became more closed and suspicious.
He believes that North Korea has become an "organism" that acts solely in its own interests and distrusts anyone, including Russia.
Barriers to friendship.
Both Devyatov and Nasobin emphasized that the subject ideology makes North Korea very closed and independent.
This shows that Pyongyang does not want to be a junior partner to any country, including Russia. Even though Russia canceled $1.1 billion in debt or supplied oil in 2012, it did not lead to true friendship.
It's as if you gave a friend an expensive lawnmower, and he just nodded and continued using a sickle to mow the lawn.
Both experts agreed that China plays a key role in Russo-North Korean relations. Pyongyang uses Russia as a fallback option to show Beijing that it has other partners.
Meanwhile, North Korea sees China as its preferred partner, which is historically and economically closer to Pyongyang.
The data proves this point: In 2023, trade between Russia and North Korea was only $29 million, while China remains North Korea's largest trading partner, providing 90% of its external trade.
To them, Russia is just a lever, not a real friend.
According to both experts, economic ties between Russia and North Korea are a weak spot.
Devyatov noted that the $29 million turnover in 2023 had declined.
Ambitious projects, such as cross-border railways, have been on hold for decades due to North Korea's close relationships and reluctance to integrate.
Conclusion: Travelers, not friends.
Despite taking different approaches, Andrei Devyatov and Oleg Nasobin both agree that the friendship between Russia and North Korea is a myth, not a reality.
However, Russians are somewhat confused in social communities: North Korea is not a friend?
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834400357072896/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.