North Korea’s decision to dispatch troops to help Russia subdue Ukraine may put another Kremlin ally, China, in a tough spot diplomatically.

Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the statement despite the U.S., Seoul and Kyiv all confirming their presence in recent days.

This week Russian President Vladimir Putin stood on a stage with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The war in Ukraine has brought Putin closer to both countries, and more dependent on them.