Kim Jong‑un backs China on Taiwan, expands Belarus ties

North Korea remains one of the world’s most isolated states, yet it actively seeks partners that give tangible returns. Recent years have seen deeper ties with Russia, but China remains the key conduit for any future dialogue with the United States. Pyongyang is also cultivating a small set of relationships in Europe and Southeast Asia to diversify its diplomatic portfolio and gain economic benefits.

- At a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Kim Jong‑un declared that North Korea gives top priority to strengthening relations with China and, for the first time, publicly supported China’s position on Taiwan. - The March summit between Kim Jong‑un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko produced deals covering agriculture, education, information technology and trade; Belarus responded by deciding to open an embassy in Pyongyang. - North Korea accepted a new Indonesian ambassador, marking the full restoration of diplomatic ties that had been suspended during the pandemic.

These moves show Pyongyang’s strategy of leveraging limited partnerships to obtain concrete gains. Backing China’s Taiwan stance may smooth Beijing’s role as a possible intermediary in any future US‑North Korea talks. The Belarus agreements could increase North Korean exports of truck parts and imports of Belarusian meat, while also opening a potential back channel to Washington via Minsk. The Indonesian ambassador signals renewed engagement in Southeast Asia, complementing existing ties with Vietnam and offering avenues for trade and technical cooperation. Overall, Kim is deepening relations with a few select states rather than pursuing broad diplomatic expansion.