"At the Center of Korea's Turmoil... Financial Instability Grows with Independent Nuclear Armament"
"Russia's Support for North Korea's Satellite Launch Not Crossing the 'Red Line'"
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik claimed that South Korea's independent nuclear armament poses a threat to security. He argued that it would cause disadvantages such as financial market instability due to cracks in the alliance with the United States.
According to major foreign media reports on the 8th, Minister Shin opposed South Korea's withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), stating in an interview with the media, "If South Korea pursues independent nuclear armament, it will face a situation where a major rift with the United States occurs."
Regarding the debate over South Korea's independent nuclear armament, he said, "It is a sign that Koreans are still uneasy about the 'extended deterrence' provided by the United States," adding, "Strengthening the deterrence of the alliance is necessary to respond easily and efficiently to North Korea's threats."
He continued, "South Korea is close to the center of strategic competition between the United States and China and the turmoil following the Ukraine war," adding, "Moreover, there are forces openly attempting to change the status quo by force in Northeast Asia." The phrase 'change the status quo by force' is mainly used when China attempts to redefine its relationship with Taiwan through military or coercive actions.
Minister Shin also criticized Russia for strengthening cooperation with North Korea. He said, "Russia left a stain on its national status by appearing to beg North Korea for help through the North Korea-Russia summit in June."
North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia at the recent North Korea-Russia summit. In response, South Korea hinted at reconsidering its weapons support to Ukraine but drew a line on lethal weapons support. Additionally, South Korea added about 240 items to its export control list for Russia, bringing the total to 1,402 controlled items.
Minister Shin stated, "North Korea has sent more than 12,000 containers to Russia from last year until this month," estimating that "this corresponds to about 5.6 million rounds of 152mm artillery shells." He added, "Since North Korea also provided several short-range missiles, the actual amount sent may differ."
However, he drew a line regarding North Korea's launch of a military reconnaissance satellite last May, saying that Russia did not cross a 'red line.' He said, "The rocket engine used for the military reconnaissance satellite launched by North Korea was assisted by Russia."
Meanwhile, Minister Shin said, "I understand that North Korea is struggling to block the trend among young people of imitating the dance of BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)." He added, "If we cooperate more with the international community, we can provide momentum for North Korea's denuclearization in the future."
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