North Korea Ups Nuke Threats as It Leans Towards Russia, Away From Beijing

Kim Jong Un may no longer trust China to represent his interests and sees Moscow as a better partner for advancing his nuclear ambitions, experts say.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un after a signing ceremony following their bilateral talks at Kumsusan state residence in Pyongyang, on June 19, 2024. Kristina Kormilitsyna/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced an acceleration of his nuclear weapons program amid strengthening ties with Russia. Experts say this move signals Pyongyang and Moscow’s common interest in a strong pushback to the West, and Kim’s growing impatience with China’s longer-term “unrestricted warfare” strategy to infiltrate and subvert the West.