China still holds power amid Russia-NKorea pact

BEIJING — China appears to be keeping its distance as Russia and North Korea move closer to each other with a new defense accord that could tilt the balance of power among the three authoritarian states.

Experts said China's leaders are likely worrying over the potential loss of influence over North Korea after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the agreement this week, and how that could increase instability on the Korean Peninsula.