**China Refuses to Comment on North Korean Troops Fighting for Russia in Ukraine**
In a surprising move, China has refused to comment on the involvement of North Korean troops fighting against Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast. This comes after both Moscow and Pyongyang confirmed the deployment of these troops.
Despite being a pariah state itself, North Korea has maintained economic and diplomatic ties with China. However, China’s stance on this issue is that it’s “their own business” – a phrase repeated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun in a recent press briefing.
**North Korean Troops Confirmed**
Earlier this week, Pyongyang confirmed for the first time that it sent troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast under the orders of leader Kim Jong-un. Russia also confirmed the deployment on April 26, after initially keeping quiet about it. The state-run KCNA news agency reported that the deployment demonstrates the “highest strategic level of the firm militant friendship” between North Korea and Russia.
**Russia’s Claims**
Meanwhile, the acting commander of Russia’s 810th Brigade told President Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region would soon be destroyed. This contradicts earlier claims by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov that Russian forces had fully recaptured the area. Fighting in Kursk Oblast is ongoing, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
**China’s Involvement**
While officially claiming neutrality, Beijing has deepened economic ties with Moscow and supported Russia against Western sanctions. China has also emerged as a top supplier of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense sector. Earlier this month, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk Oblast. Zelensky later said that “several hundred” Chinese nationals were fighting on Russia’s side.
China has denied any direct involvement in the war and claimed it has urged its citizens to avoid armed conflicts. However, its refusal to comment on the North Korean troop deployment raises questions about China’s true intentions and level of involvement in the conflict.
**The Significance**
This development is significant because it highlights China’s willingness to ignore international norms and conventions when it comes to supporting rogue states like Russia and North Korea. By refusing to comment on this issue, China is essentially turning a blind eye to the actions of its allies and emboldening them to continue their aggressive behavior.
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, the world waits with bated breath for China’s next move. Will it take a firmer stance against Russian aggression, or will it continue to prioritize economic interests over international diplomacy? Only time will tell.
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