Kim Jong Un is China's ally - but has become the 'comrade from hell'

Fangchuan, a small town located at the intersection of China, Russia, and North Korea, has recently become a popular destination for tourists. Visitors flock to a tall building that offers a stunning view of North Korea. On a chilly autumn day, Chinese tourists gather on the 12-story structure, eager to capture the moment where their country meets its two neighbors. One woman, excited about her visit, exclaimed, 'I feel very proud to be standing here… with Russia on my left and North Korea on my right. ' This sentiment reflects a sense of pride and connection among the people, despite the political complexities that exist. However, the reality is more complicated. China finds itself in a precarious position as it navigates its relationships with both North Korea and Russia. Recent developments, including North Korea's military activities and its growing alliance with Russia, have raised concerns in Beijing. Christopher Green, an analyst from the International Crisis Group, stated, 'China seeks a relationship with a reasonable, high level of control over North Korea. ' This indicates that while China desires a stable relationship with its neighbor, it also wants to maintain influence over North Korea's actions. If China fails to manage the alliance between Putin and Kim, it risks being caught in the middle of escalating tensions with the West. nnAs tourists gaze across the border, many express curiosity about North Korea. One girl, peering through a telescope, remarked, 'I saw a person cycling,' highlighting the intrigue surrounding the isolated nation. The Tumen River, which flows through the region, serves as a natural boundary, providing one of the few vantage points into North Korea. In contrast, the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone between South Korea and North Korea presents a stark barrier. A local resident shared, 'North Korea has always been our neighbor. It’s no stranger to us,' emphasizing the historical ties between the two countries. For many in China, North Korea is not just a distant land but a part of their shared history. nnChina has long been North Korea's primary benefactor, providing essential resources such as food and fuel. However, the dynamics of this relationship are shifting as Russia steps in to offer support. This change has left China feeling somewhat sidelined. Aidan Foster-Carter, a sociologist who has studied North Korea for decades, remarked, 'North Korea has consistently been the comrade from hell to both Russia and China. ' This phrase captures the frustration felt by both nations, as North Korea often takes assistance without showing appreciation. In recent years, Kim Jong Un has prioritized his relationship with Putin, meeting with him multiple times while neglecting to engage with Xi Jinping since 2019. This shift raises concerns for China, as it fears losing its influence over North Korea. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the relationships between these three countries remain fraught with tension and uncertainty, with potential implications for regional stability.