Concerned over Russia-North Korea defence cooperation, US & Nato allies turn to Asian partnerships

The United States expressed growing concern on Wednesday (November 13) over Russia’s deepening relationship with North Korea, especially regarding possible technology exchanges between the two nations.

Speaking at a forum on nuclear and radiological terrorism in Bucharest, Under Secretary of State Bonnie Jenkins said Washington is actively collaborating with Japan and South Korea to address security concerns tied to North Korea’s defence cooperation with Moscow.

Jenkins’ remarks echoed recent comments from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who warned in Brussels that Moscow’s engagement with Pyongyang could bolster North Korea’s defense and nuclear capabilities.

“We don’t have anything definitive … in terms of nuclear technology going from Russia to the DPRK (North Korea), but obviously we have an overall concern about the developing relationship between the two countries,” Jenkins said in her interview.

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She noted that in addition to technology exchanges, the alliance raises concerns about North Korea’s reported provision of at least 10,000 troops to Russia, stationed in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine.

While the Pentagon could not confirm that North Korean forces were actively engaged in combat in Ukraine, officials said such support for Russia’s defence sector pointed to the intersection of security challenges in Europe and Asia.

Need to focus on Asian partnerships

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) and US officials stressed that North Korea’s support for Russia’s war economy highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships in Asia.

The United States is responding by solidifying ties with its Asian allies. “There’s working with like-minded countries to make it very obvious and very clear in the international community how much of a concern it is,” Jenkins said.

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She added that the US is enhancing its commitments to allies South Korea and Japan through extended deterrence talks to reassure them of Washington’s “ironclad commitments” to their defense.

Jenkins also noted that, despite repeated US calls, China has yet to engage in meaningful discussions on reducing nuclear risks.

Although China recently provided pre-notifications to several nations ahead of a ballistic missile test, Jenkins said the US seeks a more sustained dialogue with Beijing on managing nuclear security risks.

With inputs from agencies