Xi and Putin reaffirm ties with North Korea on its 78th founding anniversary amid EU warning of lasting partnership with Russia
On the occasion of North Korea’s 78th founding anniversary, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin each sent congratulatory messages to Kim Jong Un, praising recent development successes and pledging deeper cooperation. The messages were published on the front page of the Korean official newspaper. At the Seoul Defense Dialogue, EU official Cosmin Dobran described the North Korea‑Russia partnership as a structural alliance that is likely to endure beyond the Ukraine war. The diplomatic overtures highlight an expanding bloc that could reshape regional security dynamics.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 18h later
Why it matters
The reaffirmed ties and the EU’s warning signal a durable alignment that may influence regional stability and the enforcement of sanctions.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps report that Xi and Putin sent congratulatory messages to Kim Jong Un on North Korea’s founding anniversary and pledged deeper ties, but left-leaning coverage stresses the security threat of the growing China-Russia-North Korea alliance, while right-leaning coverage presents the messages as routine diplomatic statements and highlights Kim’s praise of “sacred war” troops.
LEFT
Frames the letters as evidence of an alarming military partnership that heightens regional security threats.
CENTER
Frames the letters as diplomatic affirmations of a strategic partnership linked to regional security and a multipolar world.
RIGHT
Frames the letters as straightforward diplomatic gestures, noting Kim’s vow to expand ties and his praise of Russia’s war effort.
The left emphasises
- the deepening China-Russia-North Korea military cooperation
- implications for regional security and the Indo-Pacific
- the partnership as a potential threat to Australia and allies
The right emphasises
- Kim’s vow to “expand and deepen” joint work with Russia
- Kim’s description of Russia’s war as a “sacred war”
- the diplomatic nature of the congratulatory messages
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Xi and Putin send congratulatory letters to Kim, pledging deeper ties on North Korea's anniversary
- Sep 10 President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message pledging deeper ties with North Korea.
- Sep 11 North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korean defence officials.
- Sep 12 South Korea held an emergency security meeting in response to the missile launch.
- Sep 13 North Korea staged a firepower strike drill featuring missiles and drones.
- Sep 15 EU official Cosmin Dobran warned the North Korea‑Russia partnership will likely outlast the Ukraine war.
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