The Russian visit raises the possibility of increased overt support for North Korea, particularly as Russia is facing isolation from the West due to its invasion of Ukraine.
SEOUL — North Korean state media reported on Thursday that Russia's defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a defense exhibition showcasing the North's banned ballistic missiles. The visit took place as the two nations pledged to strengthen their ties. Additionally, a Chinese delegation, including a Politburo member, also arrived in North Korea to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, which North Korea commemorates as "Victory Day."
The ballistic missiles on display were banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions, which were adopted with support from Russia and China. Despite the ban, the missiles provided a conspicuous backdrop for a display of solidarity by the three countries, all united by their rivalry with the U.S.
Shoigu's visit to North Korea marks the first time a Russian defense minister has visited the country since the fall of the Soviet Union.
For North Korea, the visit of the Russian and Chinese delegations represents a significant opening to the world, as it is the first major international engagement since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Shoigu presented a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as reported by North Korean media.
Kim expressed gratitude to Putin for sending the military delegation led by Shoigu, stating that the visit had strengthened the "strategic and traditional" relations between North Korea and Russia.
According to North Korean media, Kim discussed mutual concerns related to safeguarding the sovereignty, development, and interests of both countries from imperialist practices. He also expressed confidence in the Russian army and people's ability to achieve significant successes in building a powerful country and upholding international justice and peace.
While North Korean media did not mention the war in Ukraine, the North Korean defense minister, Kang Sun Nam, reportedly expressed full support for Russia's "battle for justice" and the protection of its sovereignty.
During the visit, Kim gave Shoigu a tour of an exhibition featuring new weapons and military equipment. State media photos showed Kim and his guests viewing some of North Korea's ballistic missiles in multi-axle transporter launchers. Analysts also spotted what appeared to be a new drone.
The inspection of North Korean missiles by Shoigu indicates Russia's acceptance of North Korea's nuclear program, according to one analyst. The fact that North Korea displayed its nuclear capabilities to a senior foreign dignitary like Shoigu suggests a change in North Korea's approach.
Kim also met with Li Hongzhong, a member of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo, for talks. He was presented with a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. North Korean media quoted Kim as saying that Li's delegation's visit demonstrated Xi's commitment to the strong friendship between North Korea and China.
Overall, the visit by the Russian and Chinese delegations underscores the ongoing ties between these nations and North Korea's efforts to maintain relations with its allies amid regional and international challenges.
No Secret
The recent visit by the Russian defense minister to North Korea has raised concerns about the possibility of increased overt support for the country, particularly as Russia faces isolation from the West due to its invasion of Ukraine, analysts have noted.
Anthony Rinna, a specialist in Korea-Russia relations at the Sino-NK think tank, commented on the potential implications of a rupture in the post-Cold War order, stating that Russia might be more willing to openly violate sanctions, especially given its relatively lax attitude towards North Korea's nuclear developments in the past year. North Korea declared itself a nuclear-armed state with irreversible status through a new nuclear law.
Tensions escalated further when North Korea threatened nuclear retaliation in response to a show of force by the United States, indicating that it could potentially use nuclear weapons in certain circumstances.
The White House's national security spokesman, John Kirby, acknowledged that Russia has been reaching out to other countries, including North Korea, for help and support in its conflict with Ukraine. The Kremlin's struggle to procure arms may be a factor driving this outreach.
According to the White House, North Korea has provided backing to Russia in its war with Ukraine and has reportedly shipped weapons, including infantry rockets and missiles, in support of Russia's war efforts.
Both North Korea and Russia deny conducting arms transactions, but the visit and the growing concern over potential military cooperation raise questions about the dynamics between the two countries and their relationships with the broader international community.
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