On October 31, 2024, U.S. officials engaged in discussions with Chinese diplomats regarding North Korea's military involvement in Ukraine. The meeting took place in Washington, D.C., and included Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State, and other senior officials from the State Department.
The primary focus was on the implications of approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly preparing to support Russian forces in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the potential dangers of this development, which could escalate regional tensions.
China, a key ally of North Korea, has expressed concerns about the strengthening military ties between Russia and North Korea, which could undermine its influence in the region. The U.S. aims to communicate these concerns to Chinese leadership, hoping it will lead to a reduction in North Korean military support for Russia.
U.S. intelligence is closely monitoring China's stance on this issue, as the dynamics of the Russia-North Korea partnership could affect broader geopolitical stability. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions and the complexities of international alliances in the context of the Ukraine conflict.