The reported plans of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia and discuss the possibility of an arms deal between the two countries have raised concerns among the US and its allies. The alliance between Russia and North Korea could have significant implications for global politics and security.
At first glance, an arms deal between North Korea and Russia seems like a logical transaction. Russia is in desperate need of weapons, particularly ammunition and artillery shells, for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the other hand, North Korea, facing economic sanctions and isolation, is in dire need of money and food. Both countries have something that the other needs, creating the potential for a mutually beneficial agreement.
However, beyond the surface-level transaction, a closer alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow could have far-reaching consequences. The US has long warned about the possibility of an arms deal between North Korea and Russia, but a high-level meeting between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin takes these concerns to a new level. The primary concern for the US is the potential for North Korean weapons to reach the frontline in Ukraine. Yet, the concern in Seoul is focused on what North Korea stands to gain in return for selling its arms to Russia.
One possible outcome is increased military support from Russia. South Korea’s intelligence service has suggested that Russia, China, and North Korea could hold joint naval drills, which would be a clear provocation to the US, South Korea, and Japan. Additionally, North Korea could request advanced weapons technology or knowledge from Russia to bolster its nuclear weapons program. The country is still struggling with key strategic weapons, such as a spy satellite and a nuclear-armed submarine. While Seoul officials believe that Russia would be unlikely to provide such support due to strategic risks, the possibility cannot be completely dismissed.
Another concern is the potential collapse of the sanctions network that has been built against North Korea over the past 15 years. Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, could undermine the effectiveness of these sanctions, offering an alternative source of income and support for North Korea. This would significantly weaken international efforts to prevent the development and trading of weapons of mass destruction by North Korea.
Furthermore, the alliance between North Korea and Russia gives Kim Jong Un the opportunity to diversify his support network beyond China. North Korea has long been dependent on China’s willingness to turn a blind eye to sanctions violations and provide food aid. However, Pyongyang has always been cautious about becoming too dependent on China alone. With Russia desperate for allies, Kim may feel that he can extract even greater concessions from Moscow than from Beijing.
Nevertheless, there are uncertainties surrounding the meeting between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. Kim rarely leaves North Korea, as he is paranoid about his security and views international trips as risky. The US may be hoping that by making the meeting public and raising concerns about the potential arms deal, it can deter both parties from proceeding. However, canceling the meeting could be politically embarrassing for all involved parties and may not be a realistic option.
The US has been actively releasing intelligence to prevent such deals from happening since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. North Korea and Russia have denied any intention of engaging in arms trading, suggesting that they prefer to keep the potential agreement discreet. However, the implications of a closer alliance between these two countries could have far-reaching consequences for global politics and security.
In conclusion, the reported plans of a Russia-North Korea alliance have raised concerns among the US and its allies. Beyond the immediate concerns of weapons reaching the frontline in Ukraine, the alliance has the potential to significantly impact global politics and security. Increased military support, advanced weapons technology, and the undermining of international sanctions are just a few of the potential consequences. As the US and its allies strategize to prevent this alliance, the world watches with anticipation and concern.
