South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Decried the unofficial arms deal between North Korea and Russia, noting that he will discuss regional security issues at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in San Francisco. [1] Before the APEC meeting, Yoon Suk Yeol stated that North Korea’s provocations would be met with immediate retaliation by South Korean and United States (US) forces. While the world is focused on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, there is concern about the possibility of North Korea making moves against South Korea. [2]
The Russia-Ukraine War and the Israel-Hamas conflict increase the uncertainties regarding the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Experts doubt that North Korea’s efforts to acquire Russian weapons technologies can help Pyongyang modernize its nuclear-capable missiles. In addition, Washington’s preoccupation with the Ukraine and Israel issue may lead North Korea to engage in surprise attacks or other provocations. [3]
After taking office, Yoon Suk Yeol went on the path of developing a strong military partnership with the United States in response to North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats and put it at the center of the country’s foreign policy. According to Yoon Suk Yeol, North Korea has launched a total of 87 ballistic missiles since he took office. [4] North Korea and Russia have rejected the claim that an agreement was made in violation of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) banning the trade in weapons. [5]
One sector in which North Korea is believed to be receiving technological assistance from Russia is its spy satellite launch program. After two consecutive failed attempts to put its first military spy satellite into orbit in recent months, North Korea had announced its intention to conduct a third test in October 2023. However, he did not realize this. South Korean officials believe that this may possibly have been caused by the fact that North Korea has begun to receive assistance from Russia. According to Yoon Suk Yeol, North Korea’s goal in launching a spy satellite is to develop a nuclear transport vehicle. Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had stated that a space-based surveillance system was needed to better monitor the activities of South Korea and the United States in order to increase the attack capabilities of nuclear missiles. [6]
Yoon Suk Yeol noted that the visits of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Seoul in recent weeks serve as an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the bilateral alliance. Observers say that these successive visits by senior US officials show that the US security commitment is still strong despite Deconflictions in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Noting that wars have weakened energy security in Ukraine and the Middle East, Yoon Suk Yeol said that the global economy is further fragmented by using economic resources as weapons. [7] Since taking office as President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol has taken a tough stance, focusing on regional security issues and especially on combating North Korea’s nuclear threats. North Korea’s efforts to develop its nuclear capabilities through an arms agreement with Russia are noteworthy. In particular, it is noted that Russia’s struggle over Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East have complicated the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. At a time when the international community’s attention is focused on other regions, North Korea may make moves against South Korea.
It is important that South Korea pursues a deterrent policy against this situation and strives to further develop its solid alliance with the United States. It is emphasized that the US commitment to South Korea is strong despite the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. This is important from the point of showing South Korea’s determination to ensure regional security.
As a result, it is claimed that North Korea has received technological assistance from Russia, especially in the context of its military spy satellite launch program. This situation may increase North Korea’s efforts to advance its nuclear program and has the potential to create regional instability. Russia’s provision of technical support to North Korea may complicate the international community’s efforts to prevent such cooperation.
[1] “South Korea’s Yoon Will Warn APEC Leaders About the Risks of a Russia-North Korea Arms Deal”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/south-north-korea-yoon-russia-apec-b964ea7a195f571218d02690613fa3e9, (Date of Accession: 14.11.2023).
[2] Ibıd.
[3] “South Korea’s Yoon Will Warn APEC Leaders about the Risks of a Russia-North Korea Arms Deal”, CBS News, https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/south-koreas-yoon-will-warn-apec-leaders-about-the-risks-of-a-russia-north-korea-arms-deal/, (Date of Accession: 14.11.2023).
[4] “South Korea’s Yoon Will Warn APEC Leaders about the Risks of a Russia-North Korea Arms Deal”, News 21 Channel, https://ktvz.com/news/2023/11/13/south-koreas-yoon-will-warn-apec-leaders-about-the-risks-of-a-russia-north-korea-arms-deal/, (Date of Accession: 14.11.2023).
[5] Ibıd.
[6] Ibıd.
[7] Ibıd.
