Overview

• Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations, pledging to promote 'world peace' and deepen bilateral cooperation.
• North Korean leader Kim Jong Un referred to Vladimir Putin as his 'dearest friend' and expressed hope for a Russian victory in Ukraine in 2025, calling it a defeat of 'neo-Nazism.'
• Kim reaffirmed North Korea's commitment to its defense pact with Russia, which includes mutual military support in case of an armed attack, signed in June 2024.
• Reports indicate that North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine, with significant casualties reported among these forces.
• China continues to position itself as a neutral actor in the Ukraine conflict while maintaining strong political and economic ties with Russia, drawing criticism from Western nations.