New dynamics in the Beijing–Moscow–Pyongyang Triangle

Salát, Gergely (2025) New dynamics in the Beijing–Moscow–Pyongyang Triangle. JOHN LUKACS ANALYSES ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS. No. 2025/14. ISSN 3094-1148

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Abstract

The Chinese-Russian-North Korean harmony spectacularly demonstrated at the 2025 Beijing Victory Day celebrations suggests that the three countries are increasingly acting in concert against the United States and its allies. The three players partly share strategic interests – primarily limiting American hegemony and promoting a multipolar world order – but there are also differences between them. North Korea’s main goal is to ensure the survival of its regime and increase its room for manoeuvre by exploiting Russian-Chinese competition; for Russia, its relationship with Pyongyang is a tactical tool to counterbalance Western pressure; while China sees the North Korea as a strategic buffer state and partner in the East Asian security balance. The trilateral relationship is currently more of a network of intersecting bilateral relationships than a genuine tripartite alliance, but it could easily develop into institutionalised cooperation if global bloc formation intensifies.

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