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Opinion
China’s alignment with Russia, North Korea creates a dangerous triangle
The world needs a new cooperative framework capable of pre-empting crises and deterring conflicts with the US, China and Russia at the helm
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Lee Min-Yong is a visiting professor in the School of Global Service at Sookmyung Women’s University, South Korea and a former adviser (foreign affairs and national security) to the Presidential Office of the Republic of Korea.
This year’s Victory Day celebrations made clear Russia’s political intent. The Kremlin used the event not as a commemoration but as a stage to frame its war in Ukraine as a symbolic victory. By drawing in foreign attendance, it sought to further boost its legitimacy.
Two developments in particular underscored this effort. First, among the most noteworthy developments was President Xi Jinping’s early decision to attend. While some might speculate that his prompt acceptance of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation reflects a desire to stabilise ties with Russia amid shifting global dynamics, the move has also raised questions about China’s strategic posture.
Rather than actively shaping the post-war order, Beijing risks appearing reactive to Moscow’s agenda. That unrealised potential underscores the stakes of China’s current foreign policy choices. This diplomatic ambiguity leaves room for other actors, such as US President Donald Trump, to reinsert themselves into the conversation.
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