Stephen Cho | Coordinator of the Korean International Forum
Article asked by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting
1. The DPRK-Russia relationship has been upgraded to the level of alliance. The “Comprehensive strategic partnership,” confirmed in the joint press conference of Chairman Kim Jong Un and President Putin today, implies, in fact, an alliance. As the DPRK is not a member of the CSTO, i.e., the former USSR, and as the DPRK has always emphasized the principle of independence in foreign relations., this relationship between the two countries is practically an alliance and the best relationship ever. Chairman Kim Jong Un mentioned the word “alliance” three times. President Putin also confirmed that their relationship is one in which one side supports the other if it is invaded. This means an alliance. As the relationship has been elevated to an alliance level, the unity within the anti-imperialist camp has been further strengthened. This is a blow to the US and other imperialists. There is no other reason why the US and NATO are sensitive to Putin’s visit to the DPRK and the announcement of the treaty.
2. The DPRK-Russia military cooperation has been strengthened. Putin also made no secret of his intention to strengthen military cooperation. The word “comprehensive” includes politics, economy, culture, and military. And Putin’s words confirm that the military is the most important aspect of the DPRK-Russia relations. It is widely known that the DPRK has provided Russia with more than 1 million rounds of artillery and missiles. It is an open secret. However, the two countries now intend to openly conduct DPRK-Russia military cooperation. If the DPRK provides military support to Russia, Russia would be bound to provide military support to the DPRK in return. It is likely to be aviation-related support. Since the DPRK is already a missile superpower, support from Russia is expected to be in the field of fighter jets and bombers, where the DPRK is relatively weak, and Russia is strong. It can also be an energy support vital for the DPRK.
3. The DPRK-Russia economic cooperation has also changed to a new level. Among the government officials who accompanied President Putin, it is notable that there were the heads of the energy and railway fields, in addition to defense and diplomacy. A gas pipeline will likely be connected from Russia to the DPRK, which will later be connected to the east coast of China or South Korea. It is particularly important for Russia that the railroad from the Korean peninsula is not only connected to China via Sinuiju but also to Europe via Wonsan, Najin, and Khabarovsk, going through the Russian mainland. This is a very valid way to develop Russia’s Far East region, which is relatively underdeveloped. The DPRK is also cooperating with China in developing a triangle connecting Najin in the DPRK, Hunchun in China, and Vladivostok in Russia, at the mouth of the Duman River. In that sense, Putin’s visit to the DPRK has given Russia the priority in developing this triangle.
In conclusion, the DPRK-Russia relationship has reached the strongest level ever, leading to a new level of military and economic cooperation. As such, the imperialist camp has been deeply ruptured in its blockade policy and disadvantaged in the international political situation. It is a historical political and diplomatic victory for the DPRK and Russia, strategic partners in the anti-imperialist camp.
