An era of strongman rule has dawned upon powers surrounding the Korean Peninsula.
Russia's Vladimir Putin won a fourth term Monday after winning a record number of votes in the presidential election, setting the stage for another six years in power after having already ruled Russia for almost two decades. Putin recorded his best election performance ever, taking almost 77 percent of the vote and extending his presidency until 2024.
Putin's astounding victory came on the heels of the re-election of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a constitutional amendment to pave the way for Xi to remain in power indefinitely.
Both leaders justify their extended leadership by stating it will maximize economic development and fully establish their countries as superpowers.
The re-election of Putin and Xi come amid mounting concerns of a new Cold War as conflict grows between their countries and the West.
Relations between Russia and Britain have been tense since Prime Minister Theresa May announced last week the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats from Britain over the poisoning of a former Russian spy with a nerve agent in the English town of Salisbury. It is the biggest expulsion of Russian diplomats from Britain in more than 30 years. The U.S., France, Germany and Britain issued a joint statement denouncing Russia for the attack.
U.S.-Russia relations have been tense as well, with Russia facing fresh sanctions from Washington over interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Xi's indefinite rule is also not regarded positively by much of the international community. Amid intensifying China-U.S. rivalry, the Trump administration recently angered China by signing a U.S.-Taiwan travel bill, aimed at promoting exchanges between U.S. and Taiwanese officials. Friction on urgent issues such as trade is also hurting their relations.
These international conflicts mean additional challenges for Korea's diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs.
The revival of one-man rule in Russia and China, two countries that have a pivotal role in the security of Northeast Asia, calls for new diplomatic strategies.
China and Russia have a profound impact on North Korea. These two countries oppose North Korea's missile and nuclear programs, but are even more reluctant to see growing U.S. influence in the region and abrupt changes in the North Korean regime. They will be more assertive in pushing their positions in upcoming occasions for diplomacy with North Korea.
It is important for Korea to keep close relations with both Russia and China while properly managing Korea- U.S. ties.