North Korea condemns NATO summit,Korea condemns NATO summit, demanding US allies start denuclearisation first
North Korea condemned the United States and its allies on Saturday for strengthening military blocs after a NATO summit this week, demanding that denuclearisation begin with US allies first.
On the 65th anniversary of the China–North Korea Treaty, Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's unwavering support for North Korea, stating its friendship policy will not change.
This confrontation highlights escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the enduring alliance between China and North Korea against Western military pressure.
North Korean Perspective
North Korea frames the NATO summit as a dangerous strengthening of military blocs, arguing that true denuclearisation must begin with the United States and its allies eliminating their weapons before the North considers abandoning its arsenal.
Chinese State Media
China reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the 1961 friendship treaty with North Korea, stating that its policy of maintaining friendly relations will not change regardless of international shifts, signaling strong diplomatic backing for the North's stance.
- The China–North Korea Treaty was signed in July 1961 during the Cold War, making it one of the last major bilateral defense alliances of that era.
- North Korea marked its nuclear vow on the same day as the 65th anniversary of its key treaty with China, blending military and diplomatic messaging.
- The NATO summit referenced occurred earlier in the week in Europe, drawing condemnation from Pyongyang despite the geographic distance.
US-China Indo-Pacific Rivalry
Chinese and Japanese coast guard vessels clashed near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, with both sides accusing each of violating sovereign waters and expelling the other's ships.
1 January
China passes a new Coast Guard law authorizing lethal force against violations of national sovereignty, applicable to disputed waters including the Senkakus, drawing condemnation from Japan and the U.S.1 January
China declares an Air Defense Identification Zone over the Senkaku Islands, sparking strong rebuke from Japan, which sends military planes through the zone.1 January
Japan purchases three of the disputed islands from private owners, prompting large-scale protests in China and Taiwan and escalating tensions.
