US President Joe Biden called on China to pressure North Korea to stop helping Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. This was announced by his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, after Biden’s conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the New York Times reports.
“He also noted that the People’s Republic of China has influence and capabilities and should use them to try to prevent further escalation and expansion of the conflict.” Sullivan said.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima. There, Xi Jinping spoke to Biden about China’s commitment to facilitating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine and continuing to work hard to cool the situation.
US authorities previously reported that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers arrived in eastern Russia, most of whom were later transferred to the Kursk region. In mid-November, the State Department said North Korean units had begun engaging in fighting against Ukrainian troops in the region. Washington promised to respond with a “coordinated set of policy solutions.”
Moscow and Pyongyang did not officially confirm the data on the transfer of troops. Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on the South Korean intelligence data, said: “(Satellite) images are serious business,” and if they exist, “that means they reflect something.” He also recalled art. 4 of the Russia-DPRK treaty and noted that Moscow “never doubted that the North Korean leadership takes the agreements seriously.”
The North Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed the provision of assistance to Moscow in the military conflict in Ukraine, but did not specify what it consisted of, RBC recalls.
“Since the beginning of the special military operation, dear comrade President of State Affairs Kim Jong Un gave instructions that we, without looking back at anyone, invariably and powerfully support and provide assistance to the Russian army and the Russian people in their holy war.” – said the representative of the department. Choi Sung Hee.
According to Bloomberg, Western countries will try to pressure China at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro (to be held on November 18 and 19). According to the agency’s interlocutors, China itself is probably not satisfied with the alliance between Russia and North Korea.
