Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mutual defence agreement with North Korea, a move that could potentially disrupt the long-standing alliance between China and North Korea, was highlighted by the top U.S. military officer on 23rd June.
“We’ve got someone else who’s kind of nudging in now, so that may drive a little bit more friction between (China) and Russia,” Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters during an overseas trip. “So it’ll be interesting to see how these three countries — how this plays out.”
Analysts said the pact between Russia and North Korea, signed on 19th June, could undercut Beijing’s leverage over its two neighbours, and any heightened instability could be negative for China’s global economic and strategic ambitions. On 20th June, Putin said Russia might supply weapons to North Korea in what he suggested would be a mirror response to the Western arming of Ukraine.
Brown, while acknowledging U.S. concern about the deal, also introduced an element of uncertainty by noting potential limitations to the accord. He expressed doubt that Moscow would give North Korea “everything” it wanted, leaving the audience to ponder over Russia’s potential response.
U.S. officials have said they believe North Korea is keen to acquire fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technologies from Russia. This potential acquisition could significantly enhance North Korea’s military capabilities, potentially destabilizing the region and posing a threat to global security.
“The feedback I have on the agreement is that it was a broad agreement that’s not overly binding, which gives you an indication (that) they want to work together but don’t want to get their hands tied,” Brown said.
The treaty, a significant diplomatic development, has been signed by Putin and Kim. It stipulates that each side will extend immediate military support in the event of armed aggression. Putin’s remarks underscore the expectation that Moscow’s alliance with North Korea will deter the West while also ruling out the use of North Korean soldiers in the Ukraine conflict.
Team BharatShakti
