Both Russia and China are sending government delegations to North Korea this week for events marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. The visits suggest North Korea is further opening up after years of self-imposed pandemic isolation and is eager to showcase its partnerships with authoritarian neighbors in the face of deepening nuclear tensions with Washington, Seoul and Tokyo.

A Russian delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will make a visit for the anniversary of the armistice, which the North considers a victory in the “Grand Fatherland Liberation War”. China is also sending a mid-level official, Li Hongzhong, to restoring exchanges between the allies.