North Korea tensionsNorth Korean defector gives glimpse into tricky Russia, China ties
Ex-diplomat reveals divisions over Ukraine war, awkward 'blood alliance' with Beijing
China’s Premier Li Qiang and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walk as they meet on the day of an event marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea, Oct. 9. © KCNA/Reuters
KENJI KAWASE
October 10, 2025 12:02 JST
TOKYO -- A high-ranking North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea two years ago has revealed the inner workings of the hermit nation's effort to juggle relations with Russia, China, the U.S. and Japan as its international standing grows more precarious.