North Koreans fighting for Russia point to China's waning clout

Beijing warns against Ukraine escalation as Pyongyang and Moscow grow closer

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet in Pyongyang in 2019. Distance between the two neighbors has since grown. (KCNA via Kyodo)

YUKIO TAJIMA and KOHEI FUJIMURA, Nikkei staff writers

BEIJING/DALIAN, China -- China appears to be cautiously watching for developments regarding the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, as Beijing's options are complicated by its Moscow partnership and cooling ties with Pyongyang.

When asked about the deployment on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said only that Beijing "calls for all parties to de-escalate the situation and strive for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis."

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