Why is the Russia-North Korea Pact a Big Deal?

Russia and North Korea recently signed the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”.

About Russia-North Korea Pact

The pact between Russia and North Korea talks about cooperation on a wide range of issues, such as Nuclear energy, Space exploration, Food, and energy security, and mutual military support and unspecified technological assistance. 

• A crucial part of the deal is the mutual defence provisions.

What The Russia-North Korea Pact Says

• Mutual defence provisions: In case any one of the two sides is put in a state of war by an armed invasion from an individual state or several states, the other side shall provide military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and the laws of the DPRK and the Russian Federation
  • This provision echoes the 1961 agreement between the two nations.

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Implications of the Pact on the Global World

• Perceived Security Threat For Others: For South Korea and Japan, this treaty is likely to be perceived as a direct security threat. 
  • Both countries have long been concerned about North Korea’s nuclear program and military strength.
• Deterrence:  This will likely push both countries to strengthen their defences and rethink their security policies. 
  • Japan: It has already abandoned its long-standing pacifist foreign policy and is building its military might. 
  • South Korea: It has convened an emergency meeting of its national security council in response and said it will now consider sending arms to Ukraine, something which it had thus far resisted.
• Increasing Dependence On USA: Both South Korea and Japan are likely going to cement their alliance with the United States further in order to strengthen their strength
• Strengthens The Anti-West Bulwark In Asia: Russia-North Korea pact could also encourage similar partnerships elsewhere, most notably with Iran
• China Is Likely To Be Conflicted About The Development: China would be wary of Russia’s growing military collaboration with North Korea, which could undermine its near-exclusive geopolitical influence over Pyongyang. 
  • It would also be concerned about a greater Western footprint in Asia as a result of this development.

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