Blinken: China, North Korea helping drive Russia’s war in Ukraine

In recent months, a devastating civil war in Sudan has claimed the lives of approximately 150,000 individuals. The conflict, which has persisted for nearly two years, has forced eleven million people to flee their homes, while cholera, rape, ethnic cleansing, and torture have become common experiences for those remaining. The situation has deteriorated to the point that 26 million people are now facing a hunger crisis, and a nationwide famine seems ominous, reminiscent of the Horn of Africa famine of 1984. This civil unrest has drawn parallels to the Rwandan genocide of 1994, a dark period when the international community was called upon to take collective action against mass atrocities, highlighting the need for intervention amidst ongoing human suffering. Meanwhile, on the global stage, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the critical roles played by North Korea and China in facilitating Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. During a visit to South Korea, Blinken characterized these nations as the primary ongoing supporters enabling Russia to continue its operation initiated in February 2022. He pointed out that North Korea is supplying artillery, ammunition, and troops, while Chinese support bolsters Russia’s military industrial capabilities. This partnership has allowed Russia to sustain its war efforts, challenging the international community’s response strategies to regional conflicts. Blinken has underscored the necessity for security assurances in any forthcoming negotiations to bring an end to the conflict. Acknowledging the lessons learned from past events, he warned that a ceasefire would not equate to an end of aggressions from Russia and its leadership. Therefore, he asserts the importance of maintaining a robust defense posture to deter potential military actions by Russia. In an urgent plea for proactive measures, Blinken stressed that the world should be prepared for any scenarios that might evolve from these geopolitical tensions, particularly with the backdrop of the ongoing strife in Eastern Europe and the dire humanitarian crises unfolding in regions like Sudan.