A tall building on the edge of Fangchuan has become a tourist hotspot due to its breathtaking views of North Korea. Chinese tourists gather on the 12-storey building, eager to capture the point where their country meets Russia and North Korea. The three national flags overlap on a map on the wall, symbolizing the unique location of Fangchuan in China’s north-east corner.
One woman on a trip with her co-workers expresses her pride in standing between Russia and North Korea, emphasizing the lack of borders among people. However, fears over the growing alliance between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have raised concerns, with reports of North Korea sending troops to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
China seeks to maintain a controlled relationship with North Korea, but the budding alliance between North Korea and Russia threatens to undermine this. If Xi Jinping is unable to shape the Putin-Kim alliance to suit China’s interests, the country may find itself caught in the middle as tensions escalate.
The presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, despite denials from Moscow and Pyongyang, has added to the complexity of the situation. China’s allies seem to be spiraling out of its control, leaving Beijing in a challenging position as it navigates through the geopolitical landscape.
Amidst these tensions, Chinese tourists flock to the viewing platform in Fangchuan to catch a glimpse of North Korea. The Tumen river, which flows through all three countries, offers a unique vantage point into the isolated nation. China plays a crucial role in supporting North Korea through trade, food, and fuel, despite historical tensions and conflicts.
The complex relationship between China, Russia, and North Korea has raised concerns globally, with the recent closeness between Moscow and Pyongyang exacerbating fears. Despite China’s efforts to maintain stability in the region, the dynamics between these three nations continue to evolve, leaving Beijing in a delicate position as it navigates through shifting alliances and geopolitical challenges.