<안보실장> "Putin's Visit to North Korea Could Lead to Broad Russia-North Cooperation... Warns Not to Cross the Line"

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Jang Ho-jin, Director of the National Security Office
Photo by Yonhap News

Jang Ho-jin, Director of the National Security Office, said regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to North Korea, "There is a possibility that broader cooperation between Russia and North Korea will be pursued," adding, "We are monitoring the situation and preparing countermeasures."

He also warned Russia, saying, "Once the war in Ukraine ends, it is necessary to carefully consider which side?South or North Korea?will be more important."

On the afternoon of the 16th, Director Jang appeared on Yonhap News TV and said, "There have been many talks that President Putin will visit North Korea soon, and it is indeed expected," adding, "I am aware of specific developments, but it does not seem appropriate to explain them in detail."

According to diplomatic sources, President Putin is expected to visit Pyongyang on the 18th or 19th. This visit will be the first by a Russian president to North Korea in 24 years, since July 2000 during the rule of North Korean National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il.

Director Jang said, "Putin's visit to North Korea this time can only be seen as evidence that Russia is in a difficult position due to the war in Ukraine," adding, "It is not that North Korea's strategic value has risen, but rather that North Korea has emerged due to situational interests."

He continued, "We are closely watching what will be discussed during the visit," and predicted, "Since the situation is favorable to North Korea, they will try to gain as much as possible."

Director Jang stated, "Based on our multifaceted collection of various information, there is a possibility that broader cooperation between Russia and North Korea will be pursued, and there is also information that some military and security matters may proceed in the same manner as in the past," adding, "We have also issued warning communications to Russia not to cross certain lines."

He added, "We will carefully analyze the results of President Putin's visit to determine if there is substance, and depending on the intensity and content of any developments, we will respond accordingly," emphasizing, "Since cooperation between Russia and North Korea regarding North Korea's weapons support is already being addressed at the global security level, we will closely cooperate with the international community."

In particular, Director Jang said, "If a new situation unfolds in Russia-North Korea relations this time, it will create new external variables," and added, "It could also have some impact on the normalization of South Korea-Russia relations."

This is interpreted as a kind of warning to Russia to carefully judge whether relations with South Korea or North Korea will be more important after the war in Ukraine ends.

Regarding relations with China, he explained, "We are trying to build a new South Korea-China relationship based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and common interests," adding, "With the recent South Korea-Japan-China summit, various channels such as diplomatic and security dialogues will open, and we will continue communication to develop South Korea-China relations."

On the issue of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea, he said, "Through various consultative bodies, communication is ongoing, and I believe the conditions and timing for President Xi's visit will gradually become more concrete."

The photos show Daenam balloons found near Jamsil Bridge in Seoul, the sea off Incheon, Geumchon-dong in Paju, and a field in Inhuri, Icheon, from left to right.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Director Jang emphasized regarding North Korea, which has recently continued provocations such as the release of trash balloons toward the South, "Whether measures intolerable to North Korea will be taken or not depends on North Korea itself."

He said, "If North Korea repeats actions like the trash balloons, we will have no choice but to take measures that North Korea will find difficult to endure," adding, "I hope North Korea will not repeat actions that would embarrass even its own people if they find out."

He also said, "Recently, North Korea has been conducting barren land work inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), restoring tactical roads, and laying mines, so we are paying close attention," adding, "We are monitoring with the possibility of connection to severing ties with the South in mind."

Regarding North Korea installing and inspecting loudspeakers aimed at the South, he explained, "There has been no broadcasting toward the South yet," and said, "Based on past experience and the performance of North Korean equipment, it is judged that the purpose is more to offset the loudspeaker broadcasts we send rather than to deliver messages to South Korea."