The recent military pact between North Korea and Russia, which includes a mutual defense clause, has prompted a strong rebuke from South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The allied nations have condemned the agreement in a joint statement, calling it a threat to regional stability in Northeast Asia and Europe, and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. This pact, known as the ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement’, was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang on June 19. It has heightened concerns over the continuous transfer of weapons from North Korea to Russia, potentially exacerbating the conflict in Ukraine and challenging the global non-proliferation regime with the possibility of advanced Russian technology being transferred to North Korea and ballistic missiles provided by North Korea to Russia. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has ordered his administration to ensure full readiness in response to the security situations that may arise from this agreement. Additionally, North Korea has issued a stark warning to the US, threatening a new world war if American support for Ukraine continues. The allied nations have reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic and security cooperation to counter the threats posed by North Korea and have called for a return to negotiations.
Key points
- South Korea, the US, and Japan condemn North Korea-Russia military cooperation as a threat to global security.
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol orders full readiness in response to the Russia-North Korea pact.
- North Korea threatens the US with a new world war over its involvement in Ukraine.
