"Military Cooperation with Japan," "Must Manage Russia"... Political Reactions to North Korea-Russia Closeness

Hang Kiho "New Signs of Military Intervention Begin"
Kim Junhyung "Cause for Concern, Russia Must Be Managed"

With Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea, it is expected that North Korea and Russia will strengthen their ties, prompting political circles to be busy preparing countermeasures. Suggestions ranged from raising the level of military security cooperation with Japan to managing Russia.

On the 18th, Han Ki-ho, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Security Special Committee of the People Power Party, said at a floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly, "It can be seen that new military intervention signs between North Korea and Russia are starting from today." Han analyzed, "North Korea is in a situation where it needs technical assistance to make up for the satellite launch failure, and Russia is short of conventional artillery shells and needs help from North Korea," adding, "The two countries have re-entered a military cooperation relationship."

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes a toast at the reception commemorating the 79th Victory Day anniversary held at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on the 9th of last month (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

Chairman Han stated, "In a situation where North Korea is becoming closer with China and Russia, South Korea should develop its military cooperation relationship with Japan into a partnership that goes together with us," and argued, "We cannot rely solely on the mutual defense treaty with the United States."

Kim Jun-hyung, a member of the National Innovation Party and former president of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy regarding President Putin's visit, "It is a matter of concern," and evaluated, "If North Korea and Russia become partners in overall aspects, from South Korea's perspective, the camps will be completely divided, and the sanctions so far will collapse." However, Kim introduced a case where President Putin expressed gratitude for South Korea not supplying weapons to Ukraine, and suggested, "Russia also needs South Korea, so we should clearly maintain the stance of not supplying weapons to Ukraine and improve relations with Russia from a management perspective."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.