North Korea and Russia have pledged immediate military assistance to each other in the event of armed aggression. This commitment was formalized during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to North Korea in 24 years, marking a revival of a Cold War-era alliance.
The pact, described as a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” was signed by President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday. It is reminiscent of the 1961 mutual defense agreement between the two countries, which was annulled in 1990 when the Soviet Union began diplomatic relations with South Korea.
“If either side faces an armed invasion and is in a state of war, the other side will immediately use all available means to provide military and other assistance in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and the laws of each country,” reads Article 4 of the new agreement. Article 51 of the UN Charter allows for individual or collective self-defense by member countries.
The signing of this agreement is one of Moscow’s most high-profile moves in Asia in recent years, reflecting deepening ties between Russia and North Korea amidst their growing international isolation. Kim Jong Un echoed Putin’s sentiments, explicitly linking their partnership to opposing the “hegemonic and imperialist” policies of the West, particularly the United States and its support for Ukraine.
The agreement also stipulates that neither country will sign any treaty with a third nation that infringes on the interests of the other. Additionally, they vow not to allow their territories to be used to harm each other’s security and sovereignty. The countries will undertake joint actions to strengthen their defense capabilities and ensure regional and international peace and security.
While the White House and South Korean officials have yet to comment on the new agreement, Japan has expressed “grave concerns” over the potential for military technology cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The United States and its Asian allies have been increasingly alarmed by the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, accusing them of violating international laws through arms trading for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have reported finding North Korean missile debris in their territory, although both Russia and North Korea deny any arms trade.
During his visit, Putin thanked Kim for North Korea’s support of Russian policies, and Kim reaffirmed his “unconditional” support for all of Russia’s policies, including the conflict in Ukraine. The full text of the agreement, released by North Korean state media KCNA on Thursday, also includes cooperation on nuclear energy, space exploration, and food and energy security.
Cha Du Hyeogn, a former South Korean government official and current fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, remarked that the mutual defense pledge bears a resemblance to the 1961 treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union. However, he noted that the reference to the UN Charter and each country’s laws leaves the exact nature of the alliance open to interpretation. “It comes from Kim wanting to put everything in for this agreement, while Putin is being reluctant to do so,” Cha said.
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