Read previewRussia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently signed a defense pact to protect against what they characterized as the malign forces of US imperialism.
AdvertisementXi Jinping and Kim Jong Un watch a large group callisthenics and art performance at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, DPRK, June 20, 2019.
An emboldened Kim Jong UnRussia's extra military power could embolden Kim to act more erratically and aggressively.
AdvertisementThis means that China has enough influence over both Russia and North Korea to exert control over their new alliance.
However, "they do know that China plays an irreplaceable role for both Russia and North Korea," she said.
Persons:
—, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong, it's, Putin, Kim, Xi Jinping, Danny Russel, Obama, Xi, embolden Kim, Russell, Yun Sun
Organizations:
Service, North, Business, Associated Press, Xinhua, Agency, Getty Images, Stimson, CNN
Locations:
East Asia, Russia, North, China, DPRK, Asia, North Korea, Korea, Ukraine, Beijing, Pyongyang, Getty Images Russia, Washington