China’s forceful critique of the recent UN Security Council discussion on North Korean human rights abuses underscores its longstanding position and reveals its evolving diplomatic tactics on the global stage. Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, minced no words in dismissing the meeting as “irresponsible, unconstructive, and an abuse of power.”
He emphasized that the Security Council’s primary mandate is to uphold international peace and security, not to delve into human rights concerns that China argues do not directly threaten global stability. This statement aligns with China’s consistent refusal to permit UN Security Council discussions on North Korean human rights to gain traction.
Geng’s criticism, while not naming specific countries, implies that attempts to magnify human rights issues to divert attention from other matters or exert undue pressure on North Korea are counterproductive. This rebuke departs from the usual way the Security Council addresses North Korean human rights abuses, making it a particularly notable event. The meeting itself marked the first public discussion on the issue by the Security Council since 2017; previous annual deliberations had occurred behind closed doors.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s presentation during the meeting lent credence to the allegations of human rights abuses in North Korea. Türk’s assessment highlighted an escalation in curbing citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and movement within North Korea. The pervasive practice of forced labor and indications of worsening economic conditions compounded by extreme hunger among the populace underscored the depth of the human rights challenges faced in the country.
Curiously, the timing of this discussion coincided with a pivotal summit involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan. This summit was orchestrated as part of a broader US strategy to bolster technology and defense cooperation between these nations, even as they navigate historical disputes. This strategic move by the US highlights its bid to foster unity among its allies in the region as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.
As China’s competition with the US escalates, its overtures towards North Korea become even more intriguing. The recent joint veto with Russia against intensifying sanctions on North Korea for its missile launches speaks to China’s loyalty to its historical ally. Moreover, China’s reluctance to apply its leverage to rein in North Korea has raised eyebrows, revealing China’s strategy to play a more enigmatic role on the global stage.
Adding to the complexity is China’s intensifying partnership with North Korea amid a dynamic geopolitical landscape. China’s ties with North Korea have been further solidified by high-level diplomatic interactions. For instance, China’s new ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, assumed office after a two-year vacancy in the position, signifying China’s commitment to fostering a deeper relationship. Additionally, exchanges between China and North Korea following the reopening of the Chinese border post-Covid-19 pandemic underscore the multifaceted dimensions of this evolving alliance.
In the backdrop of China’s strengthening ties with North Korea, its staunch defense of North Korea’s human rights record within the UN Security Council represents a nuanced and intricate diplomatic strategy. This strategy both furthers China’s domestic interests and serves as a bargaining chip in its interactions with the US and its allies. As China’s role on the global stage continues to evolve, its partnership with North Korea will continue to shape and influence regional dynamics and international diplomacy in unpredictable ways.
