The Group of Seven nations are expressing heightened concern over the increasing cooperation between Russia and North Korea. There are reports that North Korea has received military technologies from Moscow in exchange for transferring missiles, raising concerns among foreign affairs experts. Japan, the only Asian member of the G7, is being urged to take a leading role in addressing the regional threat.
To monitor such weapon trades effectively, the experts suggest that Japan must involve China, a country with friendly ties to both Russia and North Korea. The experts believe that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is rapidly advancing, especially in light of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The G7, along with the European Union, has condemned arms transfers from North Korea to Russia, which violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. There are speculations that Moscow has provided aerospace technologies to Pyongyang, which resulted in North Korea successfully launching a reconnaissance satellite. Expectations are high for a potential visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea.
Overall, closer relations between Russia and North Korea could benefit both countries strategically. While experts emphasize the importance of surveillance networks on North Korea to maintain regional peace and stability, they also highlight the significance of China’s involvement in addressing security concerns in the Asia-Pacific area.
With the upcoming presidential election in the United States, Russia and North Korea may be leveraging their close relations to strengthen their bargaining power. It remains crucial for Japan and the G7 members to engage China as a regional power in maintaining security in the region.
© KYODO