BEIJING — Both Russia and China are sending government delegations to North Korea this week for events marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War.
The visits suggest North Korea is further opening up after years of self-imposed pandemic isolation and is eager to showcase its partnerships with authoritarian neighbors in the face of deepening nuclear tensions with Washington, Seoul and Tokyo.
North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday that a Russian delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will make a “congratulatory visit” for the anniversary of the armistice, which the North considers a victory in the “Grand Fatherland Liberation War.”
Shoigu's ministry said the delegation's visit will help strengthen relations and mark “an important stage” in the development of bilateral cooperation.
China's ruling Communist Party is also sending a mid-level official, Li Hongzhong, in hopes of restoring exchanges between the allies.
North Korea has been preparing huge celebrations of the anniversary that are likely to be capped off by a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un could showcase his most powerful, nuclear-capable missiles designed to target neighboring rivals and the U.S.
North Korea launched the Korean War, an unsuccessful attempt to conquer its southern rival. No peace treaty ending the conflict…
