Shin Beomsik: "North Korea and Russia Confirm Principle of Comprehensive Cooperation... Technology Transfer Requires 'Open Interpretation'"

Professor Shin Beomsik of Seoul National University CBS Radio Interview
"Russia Has Maintained a Cautious Stance on Technology Transfer"

Regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement about helping North Korea develop satellites, Professor Shin Beom-sik of Seoul National University's Department of Political Science and International Relations analyzed that since it was a fundamental remark, "an open interpretation is necessary."

Professor Shin appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 14th and said, "Russia has maintained a cautious stance in transferring core technologies related to weapons or advanced scientific technology so far," adding, "Even in its relationship with China, Russia has proceeded with cooperation in a very gradual and cautious manner when it comes to transferring core technologies."

He continued, "The same applies to the relationship with North Korea, where there have been (Kremlin) comments suggesting that there is room for cooperation within the scope of not significantly violating international laws or international circumstances," and explained, "It clearly emphasized that it does not mean unlimited and reckless close cooperation that would terrorize the international community."

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un, who is visiting Russia, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 13th (local time) at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Oblast, Russia, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

Professor Shin said, "Through Russia's cautious attitude toward technology transfer and such expressions, the principles for comprehensive cooperation in North Korea and Russia's space satellite development?which would include launch vehicle technology and satellite manufacturing technology?have been confirmed," and predicted, "(Technology transfer) will take some time, and these stages will be set."

Regarding the U.S. government's expression of concern over the military cooperation discussed between North Korea and Russia, he said, "From the U.S. perspective, there is a shortage of shells that need to be delivered to Ukraine, and despite international criticism, cluster munitions have even been supplied," adding, "If Russia supplies North Korea with such shells and short-range missiles, it would be very difficult for the U.S., which is leading the war in Ukraine, to handle this situation, and this is being strongly emphasized."

Professor Shin suggested viewing the North Korea-Russia relationship from an international political perspective rather than the framework set by the U.S. He explained, "In fact, since the post-Cold War period, Russia's national power has weakened, and it has become a country with very little influence in Northeast Asia, with the core reason being the breakdown of the close relationship between Russia and North Korea," adding, "To have a certain degree of power and exert influence, it is important to restore the North Korea-Russia relationship."

However, there are obstacles to restoring the North Korea-Russia relationship. Professor Shin said, "Russia has been pursuing a balanced policy on the Korean Peninsula considering its relationship with South Korea, so engaging in military cooperation with North Korea itself was somewhat problematic," and "Moreover, since the third nuclear test in 2013, sanctions have been imposed, making military cooperation another obstacle."

He added, "In such circumstances, amid the changing international situation, Russia is showing a 'show off' by not actively participating in the sanctions against North Korea, seeking reconciliation and closer ties with North Korea, and opening the military cooperation sector," and "Also, it showed an intention to start discussions on the technology sector, which is currently the area North Korea is most lacking in."

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