North Korea and Russia, China’s Missing Defense Minister, and a US Meeting with Wang Yi in Malta
Sep 19, 2023
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Shane Leary and Miles Yu discuss North Korea's alliance with Russia and potential implications. The missing Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu is explored, along with reflections on Jake Sullivan's meeting with Wang Yi in Malta. Insights on the upcoming APEC Summit and criticism of China's behavior are also discussed.
The recent meeting between Kim Jong-un and Putin signifies a strengthening strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia, involving potential arms deals and technological cooperation.
The disappearance of China's Defense Minister, Li Sheng Fu, highlights Xi's control and fragility, eroding China's legitimacy and suggesting China's intent to broaden military engagement with other countries.
Deep dives
Budding strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia
The recent meeting between Kim Jong-un and Putin signifies a strengthening strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia. Kim needs satellite technology and space program assistance, while Putin is in need of weapons. The collaboration could involve potential arms deals and technological cooperation, such as North Korea providing low-end weapons and commando capabilities to Russia, while Russia offers food supplies, energy resources, and assistance in modernizing North Korea's outdated weapons and submarine fleet.
Disappearance of China's Defense Minister and implications
China's Defense Minister, Li Sheng Fu, has been missing for over two weeks amid rumors of a corruption investigation related to arms procurement. However, it is believed to be more related to Xi Jinping's increasing paranoia over military disloyalty, following the Wagner insurrection in Russia. His removal could suggest China's intent to broaden military engagement with other countries. The disappearances of high-level officials highlight Xi's control and fragility, disregarding international norms and eroding China's legitimacy in the eyes of other countries.
Meeting between Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi and implications
The meeting between Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi in Malta was aimed at negotiating and setting conditions for Xi Jinping's attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco. China demands sincerity in engagement from the US, seeing both engagement and containment as part of a US conspiracy. However, the heavy influence of China's security apparatus, including the Ministry of State Security, has undermined the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Xi's potential attendance at the summit would require extensive security guarantees and royal treatment, but the US should push for Xi to address real issues rather than perpetuating a victim mentality.
Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the implications of Kim Jong Un’s recent meeting with Vladimir Putin and the budding strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia. They then turn to the missing Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, before turning to Miles’ reflections on Jake Sullivan’s meeting with Wang Yi in Malta and what this means for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, where Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are expected to meet for the first time since last November.