China Watches Closely as Russia, North Korea Sign Pact

China is navigating challenges as Russia and North Korea strengthen their military ties, including a new defense pact, potentially altering power dynamics in the region. Beijing appears concerned about potential loss of influence over North Korea and the implications of increased instability on the Korean Peninsula. Despite these developments, China has refrained from publicly commenting on the situation, balancing conflicting goals of maintaining peace while countering Western influence. Chinese officials are cautious about being perceived as part of a Russia-North Korea bloc, engaging in active diplomacy with South Korea to avoid such an alignment.