BRUSSELS: US top diplomat Antony Blinken warned Wednesday that the deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces fighting on the Ukrainia...

China and Russia strengthen military ties to counter US containment, affirming strategic partnership amid global challenges.

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- North Korea ratified a defense treaty with Russia, state media reported Tuesday, formally deepening military cooperation that has seen Pyongyang send thousands of troops to help Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

BEIJING: Senior Russian official Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday (Nov 12) told China's foreign minister Wang Yi their two countries' most urgent task should be countering "containment" by the United States, as they met for security talks in Beijing. Moscow and Beijing have expanded military and defence ties since

It is considered both countries’ biggest defense deal since the end of the Cold War.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also signed the treaty into law, which stipulates that the two countries should 'immediately provide military and other assistance using all available means' if either side is in a state of war.

The announcement comes days after Ukraine said its forces clashed with North Korean units in the Russian border region of Kursk.

The report came amid international criticism over increasing military cooperation between the two countries, with North Korea having sent tens of thousands of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.

North Korea says it has ratified a major defense treaty with Russia stipulating mutual military aid.

North Korea ratifies mutual defense treaty with Russia amid international criticism, pledging military aid in case of attack.