On New Year’s Day, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, emphasized the country’s close ties with Russia. In contrast, he gave less attention to China, underscoring that Russia is currently North Korea’s primary ally. This move suggests no immediate major shifts in North Korea’s foreign policy stance.
New Year’s Message Sent to Troops Deployed Abroad: Pyongyang and Moscow Stand Behind You, Comrades
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim delivered a speech during the 2026 New Year Celebration Performance at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium. The event and speech appeared to coincide with the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
In his address, Kim refrained from discussing foreign affairs or policy directions. Instead, he focused on commending the people’s hard work and offering wishes for their well-being and safety.
Kim specifically acknowledged the military, stating that he extends his congratulations to the military leaders, officers, and soldiers, and pay his respects to the overseas operational troops who are welcoming the New Year while longing for their homeland. This statement particularly highlighted his attention to troops deployed in Russia.
In a separate message, Kim sent New Year’s greetings to the deployed forces. He emphasized that they are the Party and state’s greatest strength, the solid foundation, and the utmost pride. He added that 2026 would be another great year for Korea, marked by the troops’ remarkable achievements on foreign soil.
Kim urged the troops to always be courageous for the fraternal Russian people, for the spirit and character of the nation, for Korean dignity and honor, and for the country’s eternal glory. This statement underscored the expectation that deployed troops should be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for Russia.
Rodong Sinmun included Kim’s diplomatic title Chairman of the State Affairs Commission in the full text of the greetings. Notably, the letter to deployed troops wasn’t signed with his military title Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, suggesting a diplomatic message aimed at Russia. Kim also stated that Pyongyang and Moscow stand behind them.
Furthermore, Kim met with families of deployed troop commanders who attended the New Year celebration, offering comfort and taking commemorative photos. This focus suggested that Russia was a central theme of the New Year’s event, marking an unusual emphasis on relations with a specific country during such celebrations.
North Korea is Expected to Maintain its Policy of Closer Ties With Russia at the 9th Party Congress
Analysts predict that North Korea will not significantly alter its foreign policy at the congress, instead maintaining its current stance for the time being.
While Rodong Sinmun reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent greetings to Kim, this was mentioned only briefly among greetings from various countries, without disclosing the message’s content. South Korea and the U.S. hope China will play a role in influencing North Korea. North Korea appears to be deliberately highlighting its lack of close communication with China at present.
In December, during an inspection of a nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine, Kim described South Korea’s acquisition of nuclear submarines as a result of Washington acquiescing to Seoul’s requests. He portrayed the U.S.-South Korea relationship as that of master and servant, maintaining a hostile stance towards both nations.
Following the Workers’ Party’s plenary meeting in mid-December, where North Korea made significant decisions regarding the upcoming 9th Party Congress, there have been no indications of changes in its stance towards the U.S. or its overall foreign policy. This suggests that North Korea may not use the congress as a turning point for new diplomatic initiatives.
North Korea seems focused on developing the new strategic nuclear weapon system highlighted in December and aims to secure diplomatic gains through Russia. The country may then seek a potential turning point during President Donald Trump’s visit to China in April.
Professor Lim Eum-chul from Kyungnam University’s Far East Institute predicts, “At the 9th Party Congress, North Korea will likely present a bolder and more aggressive vision, fueled by increased confidence from visible achievements in both economic and nuclear capabilities.”
