Kim Jong Un is China's ally - but has become the 'comrade from hell'

Chinese tourists gather at Fangchuan, a unique spot where China, Russia, and North Korea meet, to take photos of the tri-border area. However, this location symbolizes China's current diplomatic challenge, as it finds itself caught between two controversial allies.
Recent reports suggest North Korea is sending troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, though both Moscow and Pyongyang deny this. This developing Putin-Kim alliance has caused concern in the West and potentially threatens China's influence over North Korea. While China aims to be a stable leader of a non-US-led world order, its allies' actions—Russia's war in Europe and North Korea's potential involvement—compromise this goal.
The article describes the border area where tourists eagerly view North Korea through telescopes, seeing glimpses of daily life. China remains North Korea's biggest benefactor, accounting for over 90% of its foreign trade, including food and fuel. This represents a reversal from the 1960s when Chinese citizens fled famine by crossing into North Korea. After the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, the situation flipped, with North Koreans fleeing to China and South Korea to escape hunger and repression.
China is finding itself in an uncomfortable position as North Korea's Kim Jong Un appears to be favoring Russia's Putin over China's Xi Jinping. Despite China being North Korea's primary supporter, Kim has met Putin twice in the past year but hasn't met Xi since 2019.
The Russia-North Korea alliance has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The US believes North Korea has sold over a million artillery shells and rockets to Moscow, though North Korea denies this. The two countries signed a security pact in June 2023, promising mutual support against "aggression."
This situation puts China in a difficult position.
China needs to maintain stability in North Korea to avoid a refugee crisis
Beijing fears that Russia might provide military technology to North Korea in exchange for troops
The alliance could lead to increased US military presence in the region
South Korea is debating developing nuclear weapons in response to North Korean aggression
China is already dealing with US accusations about selling components to Russia
While China has options to pressure North Korea, including cutting off supplies and enforcing sanctions, experts believe Beijing will likely continue supporting North Korea "through gritted teeth" to maintain regional stability. However, Kim's increasing alignment with Russia and aggressive stance toward South Korea could eventually test China's patience.