While Vladimir Putin has actively bolstered ties with Pyongyang, Beijing—traditionally North Korea’s primary ally—is increasingly concerned about being sidelined in this partnership.
Putin is on his first trip to North Korea in 24 years, a visit likely to reshape decades of Russia-North Korea relations at a time when both countries face international isolation.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un extended an invitation to Putin during a visit to Russia's Far East last September. Putin last visited Pyongyang in July 2000.
The joint statement comes a week after North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia, triggering global concerns about potential weapons transfer deals between the two countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has not yet reacted to Kim-Putin meeting, but he would be in a dilemma. China won't be happy with North Korea’s renewed relations with Russia.
This year, Pyongyang's relations with Moscow are in the spotlight, with Kim Jong Un choosing Russia - not China - as his first foreign visit since before the Covid pandemic.
Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.
Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.
21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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