Author: Current Affairs Analyst Yue Ta
The alliance between Russia and North Korea is quite amusing, fully showcasing the diplomatic wisdom of Soviet-style countries. In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea. His plane was delayed, arriving at 2 AM, leaving General Kim Jong-un waiting at the airport for over five hours. This was undoubtedly intentional on Putin’s part, who has a long history of using such tactics to assert his dominance. Russian media even deliberately released photos of General Kim Jong-un waiting at the airport to further humiliate North Korea.
In the formal meeting that followed, North Korea gave Russia a taste of their own medicine. Before the meeting began, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister Savelyev, Foreign Minister Lavrov, Defense Minister Belousov, Health Minister Murashko, and Director of the Russian Space Agency Borisov had already entered the room to prepare. They were then ushered out by North Korean staff because General Kim had to take his seat first, and only then could the Russian officials re-enter.
After the meeting, Kim Jong-un presented Putin with a special gift, which looked suspiciously like a funeral portrait. This photo was released by North Korea, and you can see Putin’s expression in it:
Following this event, the head of the North Korean military delegation visiting Russia, Kim Geum Chol, who is also the president of the Kim Il Sung Military University, unexpectedly passed away. There may not be any direct connection between the two events, but countries like North Korea and Russia have always used these small actions to display their national dignity.
For instance, they habitually arrive late to diplomatic events, making the other side wait for a long time to demonstrate their national prestige. During talks, they might deliberately lean back in their chairs while speaking, forcing the other party to lean forward to hear clearly, creating an appearance of the other side being very proactive. When shaking hands, they might intentionally stand still early to create an impression of the other party walking briskly towards them while they appear calm and composed. They might even subtly step back while shaking hands, pulling the other party forward to make it look like the opposing diplomat is bowing to them.
Amusing nonsense from an unnamed “analyst”. Key word being “anal” – where he found these insights.