BEIJING — China’s foreign ministry has stated that it is unaware of any North Korean troops being stationed in Russia, following reports from the United States that North Korea had allegedly sent 3,000 soldiers to Russia for potential deployment in Ukraine.
On October 23, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin claimed there was “evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia,” using North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The possible deployment of North Korean soldiers would represent a significant escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing since February 2022.
When asked about the presence of North Korean troops in Russia during a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded, “The Chinese side is not aware of the situation.” Lin reiterated China’s consistent position on the Ukraine crisis, calling for de-escalation and a commitment to a political solution to the conflict.
White House spokesperson John Kirby also claimed that the U.S. had reason to believe at least 3,000 North Korean troops were being trained at three military bases in eastern Russia.
The potential involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict would mark a significant development in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has resulted in massive casualties on both sides. The conflict began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and it has since evolved into a prolonged war of attrition along front lines in eastern Ukraine.