Putin Eager for North Cooperation... Sudden Visit to North Korea After 24 Years
Russia-North Korea May Agree on 'Automatic Military Intervention' in Emergencies
Possible Discussions on Transfer of Advanced Military Technologies Like ICBMs
Government Expected to Respond Strongly Depending on Cooperation Level
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea, there are prospects that Russia and North Korea may establish military cooperation at the level of 'automatic military intervention in case of emergency.' The presidential office is closely monitoring the level of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and is preparing countermeasures.
According to the presidential office on the 17th, President Putin is scheduled to visit North Korea for a one-night, two-day trip to discuss bilateral issues, including military cooperation, with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un. The visit is likely to take place on the 18th.
During this visit, there is speculation that Russia and North Korea may sign a new treaty approaching the level of the past alliance treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union.
Previously, North Korea and the Soviet Union signed the 'Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance,' known as the Soviet-North Korean alliance, in 1961, promising automatic Russian military intervention in case of emergency. This meant that if a situation such as war between North and South Korea occurred, Russia would intervene automatically.
However, Russia abolished the Soviet-North Korean alliance in 1996 after establishing diplomatic relations with South Korea. Subsequently, in 2000, the two countries signed a friendship and cooperation treaty to strengthen cooperation in economic, scientific, and technological fields, but the automatic military intervention clause was not included again.
The concern over military cooperation at the level of 'automatic military intervention' between Russia and North Korea, which existed only during the Cold War immediately after the Korean War, arises because Russia's current situation is not favorable. With the war in Ukraine ongoing for more than two years, Russia desperately needs cooperation with North Korea, which provides full military and political support.
North Korea, aware of this, is expected to seek to significantly strengthen military cooperation with Russia during President Putin's visit.
Jang Ho-jin, Director of the National Security Office, appeared on Yonhap News TV the day before and said, "We are continuously monitoring what will be discussed during President Putin's visit," adding, "North Korea will try to gain as much as possible because the situation is advantageous to them."
The government is also closely watching President Putin's visit to North Korea, the first in 24 years. Depending on the level and content of cooperation agreed upon between President Putin and Chairman Kim Jong-un, there is a possibility of a strong response.
It has already been revealed that the government sent a warning message to Russia ahead of President Putin's visit, asking them not to cross the line.
Although the government did not specify the exact criteria for the 'line' it can tolerate, it inevitably includes clauses such as automatic military intervention, acceptance of North Korea's nuclear weapons, and transfer of advanced technologies like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Director Jang also warned the day before, "If a new situation unfolds in Russia-North Korea relations this time, it will create new external variables," adding, "It could also have some impact on the normalization of South Korea-Russia relations."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
