Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu Visits North Korea, Strengthening Ties Between Russia, North Korea, and China

North Korea and Russia have demonstrated their solidarity this week, as Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made the first visit by a Russian defense minister to North Korea since the fall of the Soviet Union. On Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Shoigu met in Pyongyang to discuss military issues and the regional security environment.

The two leaders reached a consensus on unspecified “matters of mutual concern in the field of national defense and security and on the regional and international security environment.” On Thursday, Shoigu accompanied Kim to a defense exhibition that featured North Korea’s banned ballistic missiles.

The visit comes as North Korea celebrates the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. A Chinese delegation, including a Politburo member, also arrived in North Korea this week for the anniversary, which North Korea celebrates as “Victory Day.”

The missiles featured in the exhibition were banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions adopted with Russian and Chinese support. However, the show of solidarity between North Korea, Russia, and China, all united by their rivalry with the U.S., provided a striking backdrop for the event.

The visit by Shoigu and the Chinese delegation is seen as a sign of the strengthening ties between the three countries. It is also a reminder of the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the U.S., as the two countries remain at odds over North Korea’s nuclear program.