News Excerpt:
North Korea and Russia agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression, under a pact their leaders signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit in 24 years.
Russia-North Korea Defense Pact:
- North Korea's state media published the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership", reviving a defunct 1960s mutual defense pact with the Soviet Union.
- The agreement was signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un, a high-profile move for Moscow in Asia.
- The agreement, which also included cooperation on nuclear energy, space exploration, food and energy security.
- The pact allows military assistance if either side faces an "armed invasion", invoking the UN self-defense clause.
- Kim echoed Putin's anti-Western rhetoric, linking ties to countering "hegemonic and imperialist" policies of the U.S. and West, including on Ukraine.
- The pact forbids either side from allowing its territory to be used to harm the other's security interests.
- It pledges joint actions to strengthen defense capabilities and ensure regional peace and security.
Implications and Concerns:
- USA and South Korea are alarmed by deepening Russia-North Korea military ties, accusing them of illegally trading arms used against Ukraine.
- Ukrainian officials claim to have found North Korean missile debris in their country.
- The pact comes amid U.S./allies' concerns over how much Russia will support nuclear-armed North Korea amid growing isolation.
- Japan expressed "grave concerns" over potential military technology cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
- But China, North Korea's main backer, has had a muted reaction so far.
