China’s MFA dodges questions on North Korean troops in Ukraine war

A correspondent from Ukrinform in Beijing reported the development.

During a regular press briefing, journalists asked the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, three times to address claims about North Korean troops in Russia. They also pressed him to explain how Beijing's calls for de-escalation and a political solution in Ukraine align with North Korea’s involvement in the war.

In addition, Lin was asked if Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to discuss the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their upcoming meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan.

However, Lin avoided giving a direct answer. He reiterated that China’s stance on the "Ukraine crisis" remains "consistent and clear."

“We hope all parties work towards de-escalation and are committed to a political solution,” Lin repeated three times.

Russia-North Korea military cooperation: What we know

On October 4, the Kyiv Post reported that 20 soldiers were killed in a missile strike on occupied Donetsk, including six North Korean military personnel advising the Russian army.

South Korean Defense Minister warned on October 8 that North Korea may deploy troops to Ukraine in support of Russia.

At an October 17 press conference in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Russia's plan to train 10,000 North Korean soldiers for combat in Ukraine.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, later reported that 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are training in eastern Russia, preparing for deployment to Ukraine. He added that the first unit of 2,600 soldiers is en route to Kursk, where Ukraine has established a stronghold.

Ukraine has since shared intelligence with NATO about North Korea’s military involvement and requested data from alliance members.

On October 19, reports surfaced that North Korea had sent 1,500 special forces to Russia.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also noted that North Korean KN-23/24 missiles, used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine, contained Western components.

Finally, on October 21, it was reported that 18 North Korean soldiers had been detained by Russian forces after attempting to desert their positions in the Kursk region. These troops are expected to participate in future assaults against Ukrainian forces.

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Russian ambassador, demanding "immediate" action to withdraw North Korean troops from Ukraine.