That proximity has irked China, North Korea’s main backer. Chinese officials fear that Russia’s influence over the insular dictatorship is growing at China’s expense. They also worry that the United States and its allies in Europe and Asia will strengthen military cooperation in response to Russia and North Korea’s newfound closeness.

As Pyongyang pledges to accelerate build-up of 'nuclear force', US said Russia and China embolden country to further violate UN sanctions The United States on Monday called out Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council for "shamelessly protecting" and emboldening North Korea to further violate UN sanctions as Pyongyang pledged to