Stronger ties between Putin and Kim could see a ‘Cold War-like coalition’ form in northeast Asia

Strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea will escalate bloc confrontation in northeast Asia, a reputable Chinese think tank has said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia – his first international trip since the Covid-19 pandemic – is widely expected to see the two Cold War allies bolstering defence and economic cooperation amid sanctions by the West.