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Last month, the Russian President visited North Korea and signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, solidifying the relationship between the two nations. This historic agreement included the Tumen River issue, a strategic project now officially recognized by Russia, China, and North Korea. This project, part of Russia's “Far East Strategy,“ aims to provide a new northern outlet for China. However, Japan views this plan as a significant threat, raising concerns. Since the 2022 special military operation against Ukraine, Western sanctions have pressured Russia’s economy. To counter these sanctions, Russia reintroduced the “Far East Strategy“ during the 8th Eastern Economic Forum, focusing on attracting international investment and improving infrastructure. The Tumen River, a crucial part of this strategy, has become a focal point of regional cooperation. The Tumen River spans 520 kilometers and borders China, Russia, and North Korea, but its development has been historically hindered by geopolitical complexities. The UN's 1980s proposal for a “Eurasian Continental Bridge“ to establish a logistics and financial hub at the Tumen River’s mouth never materialized. The Sino-Russian Aihui Treaty grants navigation and sea access rights to China and Russia, but any development requires negotiations with North Korea. The project faced challenges such as lack of natural harbors, silt accumulation, and infrastructure limitations like the North Korea-Russia Railway Bridge. Recent Western sanctions have renewed interest in the Tumen River. In May, Russia and China discussed the river’s navigation, followed by the June agreement between Russia and North Korea to construct a cross-border highway bridge. This marks a significant step towards realizing the long-delayed project. The plan involves creating a shared port development zone for China, Russia, and North Korea, enhancing regional economic development. Historically, the Tumen River estuary belonged to China, and reopening it would provide Northeast China with direct sea access, boosting trade efficiency and economic growth. Militarily, it could enable China to form a new Northern Fleet, enhancing its defense capabilities in Northeast Asia. For Russia, it offers an unaffected maritime trade channel, potentially connecting with the Arctic Passage. North Korea stands to gain economically, breaking Western economic blockades and promoting development. Japan’s opposition is driven by the strategic implications of the Tumen River project, threatening its national defense security. Despite these concerns, the cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea aims to enhance regional economic integration and strategic cooperation. The Tumen River project symbolizes a strategic alliance with far-reaching implications for regional and global politics. It could lead to increased military cooperation and shift the balance of power in Northeast Asia. Despite challenges, the commitment to this project signals a new era of collaboration and strategic maneuvering. #TumenRiver #RussiaNorthKoreaPartnership #FarEastStrategy #RegionalCooperation #EconomicDevelopment
