North Korean defector gives glimpse into tricky Russia, China ties

Ex-diplomat reveals divisions over Ukraine war, awkward 'blood alliance' with Beijing

20251010 Li and Kim

China’s Premier Li Qiang and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walk as they meet on the day of an event marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea, Oct. 9. © KCNA/Reuters

KENJI KAWASE

TOKYO -- A high-ranking North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea two years ago has revealed the inner workings of the hermit nation's effort to juggle relations with Russia, China, the U.S. and Japan as its international standing grows more precarious.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.