Finnish President Warns of North Korean Escalations in Russia

Finnish President Alexander Stubb conveyed to China's President Xi Jinping NATO and EU concerns over North Korean escalations with Russia, notably troop deployments, amid fears of involvement in Ukraine. Discussions also covered China-EU tensions regarding support for Russia and economic disagreements over tariffs on Chinese EVs.

During a diplomatic visit to Beijing, Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed grave concerns to China's President Xi Jinping about North Korea's increasing military activities with Russia. Representing both NATO and the EU, Stubb emphasized these actions as a significant escalation, referencing the potential for North Korean troops to join Russia's endeavor in Ukraine.

The U.S. has reported the deployment of 10,000 North Korean troops in eastern Russia. The Finnish leader relayed to Xi the coordinated messages from European allies, noting apprehensions about North Korea's attempts to instigate conflict within Europe and potentially south of its border. Additionally, Stubb warned that China's ongoing support for Russia could severely strain its relationship with the European Union.

Finland's entry into NATO, catalyzed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has nuanced its interactions with China, which simultaneously boasts a strategic alliance with Russia and attempts to mediate peace in Ukraine. There are ongoing discussions about tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese electric vehicles and a separate investigation concerning a cargo vessel linked to damage on the Balticconnector pipeline, further complicating EU-China dialogues.

(With inputs from agencies.)