North Korea is signaling its intention to transform ties with Russia into an “economic alliance” centered on energy, food and resources ahead of the Ninth Party Congress. The regime aims to expand cooperation beyond the existing military focus, viewing next year as a critical turning point to elevate bilateral relations.
A source in North Korea told Daily NK recently that “the core of the government’s current Russia policy rests on three pillars: ‘independence, peace and pragmatism.’” The source said there’s “a clear shift toward action-oriented diplomacy rather than slogans, joining hands with Russia in areas that provide real benefits even within the sanctions environment.
“Right now, the top priority is economic stability, and to achieve this, it’s important to secure energy, food and resources from Russia,” the source added.
In this regard, North Korea is preparing new initiatives including an alternative payment system using rubles, yuan and barter; strengthening logistics networks connecting the Arctic and the Primorsky region; and developing energy and mineral processing complexes in North Hamgyong province’s Onsong and Rason areas.
“Considering constraints on maritime transport and financial settlements, the plan is to actively utilize roundabout trade, ruble-yuan payments and barter,” the source said. “The key is to penetrate gaps in sanctions and keep needed supplies flowing.”
North Korea views this cooperation with Russia as a powerful breakthrough for achieving self-reliance despite international sanctions. In other words, North Korea’s plan is to forge a “new path forward” through cooperation with Russia and raise the cost of implementing international sanctions.
Russia seen as ‘bulwark’ against sanctions
The source said North Korea views Russia as a “bulwark for building sanctions resilience” over the long term.
“Through Russia—a long-term supplier of resources and energy, a defense coordination partner, and a land-sea-rail logistics connection—the plan is to neutralize hostile forces’ blockades,” the source said. “Russia is seen as a practical partner that will lead future economic development.”
However, North Korea judges that the course of the Ukraine war and the West’s expansion of secondary sanctions will be the biggest variables affecting future North Korea-Russia relations. It’s also paying attention to China’s role as mediator.
“While the government is strengthening cooperation with Russia, it’s carefully maintaining balance to keep relations with China stable,” the source said. “The plan is to create a structure where the three countries leverage their respective strengths—with China handling the massive market and intermediate goods role, and Russia covering resources, logistics and military technology.”
This represents a strategic vision to secure both diplomatic stability and practical benefits through what could be called a North Korea-China-Russia “triangular balance structure.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: dailynk.com
