Chinese and Russian officials to join North Korean commemorations of Korean War armistice

By KIM TONG-HYUNG
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — 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 pandemic isolation and is eager to showcase its partnerships with authoritarian neighbors in the face of deepening nuclear tensions with Washington, Seoul and Tokyo. North Korea’s state news agency said Wednesday that a Russian delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will make a “congratulatory visit” for the anniversary of the armistice which the North considers a victory. China’s ruling Communist Party is sending a midlevel official in hopes of restoring exchanges between the allies.