Kim Jong Un's North Korea Switches To Russian Satellite From China For TV Broadcasts, Experts Say It 'Symbolically Represents Weakening Dependence' On Beijing

North Korea’s recent shift from a Chinese to a Russian satellite for its state television broadcasts has sparked discussions about China’s waning influence over Pyongyang.

What Happened: North Korea has transitioned its state-run broadcasters, including Korean Central Television, from ChinaSat 12 to Russia’s Ekspress 103 satellite. The shift, which was completed by July 1, was confirmed by a South Korean Ministry of Unification official on Monday.

Experts suggest this move indicates a strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia, which could potentially burden Beijing, the South China Morning Post reported on Monday. The two nations have recently increased their diplomatic and military collaboration, particularly concerning the Ukraine war.

According to Kang Jun-young, a professor of Chinese studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, this move also sends a message to China that North Korea finds it necessary to bolster cooperation with Russia due to Beijing’s tepid support.

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Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, echoed this sentiment, stating that the satellite switch “symbolically represents weakening dependence on China.” He also noted that the new treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea was “quite a burden” for China.

Despite the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia, some experts believe that this relationship could be temporary, largely driven by Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They also suggest that China’s influence over North Korea may recover once the Ukraine war concludes.

Why It Matters: This satellite switch comes on the heels of a series of significant geopolitical developments. In June, China resumed high-level security talks with South Korea after a nine-year hiatus, coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to North Korea since 2000. Shortly after, Putin signed a mutual defense pledge with Kim Jong-un, marking a significant shift in Russia’s international alliances and deepening ties with North Korea.

In July, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged global powers to facilitate dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, a move that could potentially influence North Korea’s alliances.

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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari