What is this defense deal between Russia and North Korea? Will it threaten China?

The recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea and the agreements signed between the two neighbors has a potential to create differences between Russia and China. This has been stated by Air Force General CQ Brown who is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The visit by the Russian President last week was closely watched by the international community. The bonhomie between the two leaders resulted in the signing of some key agreement including some defense deals. China has been the sole ally of North Korea which continues to remain a ‘hermit kingdom’. North Korea has threatened its neighbors and the US and has continuously violated various international agreements by testing their nuclear arsenal.

Comments by the top US military official:

General CQ Brown said that the visit of the Russian President to North Korea may lead to tensions between Russia and China. The latter has been the sole ally of North Korea and it would definitely not prefer North Korea entering into a close relationship with any other country, especially with its other neighbor. Analysts have also noted that the pact signed between Russia and North Korea could undermine China’s economic and strategic clout in the region as well as impact its own growth. Further, any instability in the region has the potential to impact China negatively.

Agreement signed between Russia and North Korea:

Putin has said that Russia may supply weapons to North Korea. Brown did express concern about this development. However, he added that there are limitations to what the Russians can supply. The treaty signed between the two countries agreed to supply weapons to each other if either of them are attacked by another country. It may be noted that the Russians have previously backed out of their treaty obligations in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.


US officials noted that North Korea is keen to acquire fighter jets, surface to air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment and other weapons from Russia.

FAQs:

Has North Korea supplied weapons to Russia during the ongoing Ukraine war?
The US and Ukraine have accused North Korea of providing artillery shells and ballistic missiles to Russia. Both, Russia and North Korea have denied these charges.

Will soldiers from North Korea participate in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine?
Putin ruled out the possibility of North Korea soldiers participating in the Ukraine war. However, he added that the cooperation between the two countries would serve as a deterrent to the west.