Growing China-Russia Ties Concern US Officials

The growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is causing unease in China, as highlighted by US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who noted that China is concerned about North Korea's potential military actions influenced by Russia. Meanwhile, Lithuania's new Prime Minister-designate Gintautas Paluckas has expressed strong support for democratic Taiwan but faces criticism for potentially undermining Lithuania's commitment to countering China's influence in Europe, particularly after a shift in the political landscape. The US government perceives the China-Russia partnership as a significant threat to its interests and has struggled to address the growing distrust from Beijing. Campbell also indicated that while the US attempted to disrupt this alliance, it has largely solidified despite American efforts. The diplomatic tensions between Lithuania and China trace back to 2021 when Taiwan opened a representative office in Vilnius, leading to severe backlash from Beijing. The evolving dynamics pose risks not only for regional stability but also for transatlantic relations.