U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his concern about the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, referring to it as a “two-way street” involving the exchange of arms and technical support. He also discussed the extended deterrence strategy, which involves the use of U.S. military assets, including its nuclear forces, to counter threats from North Korea, as well as improving cooperation with Japan.
Mr. Blinken emphasized that the U.S. is closely monitoring Russia’s support for North Korea, particularly in terms of ballistic missile programs, nuclear technology, and space launch capacity. The United States and its allies, South Korea and Japan, have condemned the flow of arms and military equipment from North Korea to Russia.
Despite ongoing denials by North Korea and Russia about arms deals, their leaders have pledged closer military cooperation. Mr. Blinken said the increasing military cooperation poses concerns for the security of the Korean Peninsula, global non-proliferation regimes, the Russian aggression in Ukraine, and the violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.
During his visit to South Korea, Mr. Blinken discussed the joint response to North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles, as well as increasing cooperation with the country. He emphasized the need for real-time sharing of missile warning data, trilateral defense exercises, and efforts to counter malicious cyber activities.
In addition, Mr. Blinken and other G7 foreign ministers condemned North Korea’s transfer of arms to Russia as a direct violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. They also called for humanitarian pauses in the fighting between Israel and Hamas to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza. South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin expressed concerns about North Korea’s involvement in helping Hamas and urged condemnation if any links were confirmed.
North Korea has denied reports by military experts that its weapons were being used by Hamas, characterizing the accusation as a U.S. ploy to divert attention. Mr. Blinken’s visit to South Korea is part of a broader Asia trip, with discussions including North Korea’s attempt to launch a spy satellite. South Korea stated that North Korea was in the final stages of preparations for a launch, with apparent technical help from Russia.