Russia-North Korea pact could dent China's influence, but Beijing still holds sway over both

Russia and China see one another as equals. North Korea is just an odd ball neighbor for both.

Russia will be used and spit out. They had this coming.

The shock absorbers on the car carrying Kim and Xi must be at the breaking point.

deanzaZZRToday 06:42 am JST

Russia and China see one another as equals.

China sees Russia as a vassal, just as China sees everyone - actual or potential.

Putin sees China as his best hope of securing his interests. On this he is wrong, as Xi will gladly stab him in the back when the time suits him.

China's GDP is almost 8 times as large as the combined GDP of Russia and North Korea. If China stops bothering its southern neighbors, and turns its gaze towards Russia and NK, China might find that it has easy pickings in these other countries. "Vladivostok" was taken from China in the late 1800s, but so far they don't seem to care. China is far from perfect, but the people of NK would be better off under China than where they are today. Unification with South Korea would be better yet, but the Chinese would feel threatened by a unified Korea.

Xi might find that taking back Chinese Siberia is far easier than going to war with Taiwan.

Any disturbance of relations between these three is fine by me. Get them at each others' throats by whatever means. We have nothing at all to learn as a species from any of them: they will advance us not one iota.

danza:

Russia and China see one another as equals. North Korea is just an odd ball neighbor for both.

It's the usual divide and conquer tactics. Cause a rift between partners or siblings and get them to fight each other while you sit back and enjoy the show. Ain't gonna work.

JJEToday 03:41 pm JST

If one thinks Moscow and Beijing have not coordinated on this behind the scenes and in advance, you've been drinking too much lemonade.

You're right: Xi probably told Putin what his limits are.

taiwan:

You're right: Xi probably told Putin what his limits are.

Yes, you're a fly on the wall, aren't you?

The article appears to be misleading

Neither China or Russia are concerned which of them wields more influence ove North Korea

We need to keep a close eye on all 3