Kim Jong Un's Russia visit sets off alarm bells in the West over secret 'military alliance'
Though he chose to skip the recent G20 Summit which discussed all hot-button global issues in the presence of the world's largest economies, Russian President Vldimir Putin is meeting North Korean 'Supreme leader' Kim Jong Un on the sly in Vladivostok. Afraid as the latter is of flying, the North Korean dictator travelled on his bulletproof, heavily armoured private train which is so heavy it can not chug over 59 km per hour. The world, especially parts of the Korean peninsula and the West, is wildly speculating about the possibility of a military alliance between the Communist countries since it will have implications for regional and global security. While the visit is officially framed as a 'diplomatic mission', the secretive nature of North Korean politics and the history of its questionable alliance with Russia give rise to suspicions of a potential military deal. The two countries share a complex history of diplomatic, economic and military cooperation. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union supported North Korea both economically and militarily. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a period of estrangement between them as Russia focused on its domestic challenges. In recent years, Russia has sought to revive this relationship. Kim's visit is part of a broader effort by both countries to rekindle their ties and enhance military collaboration.
This visit of Kim to Russia is notable for its timing and context. The trip comes at a time when North Korea faces increasing international isolation due to its nuclear ambitions, economic sanctions and human rights violations. Russia, on the other hand, has been seeking to assert itself on the global stage and strengthen ties with nations that share similar interests. Despite sanctions and the bruises of Ukraine war, Russia is still a power to reckon with and it can help North Korea in a number of ways, including supplying arms, which could be a grave concern for South Korea and stability in southeast Asia. The likely military cooperation between these countries could destabilise the delicate balance of power in southeast Asia and complicate efforts to denuclearise North Korea. Kim’s visit could also impact ongoing negotiations between North Korea and South Korea, as well as efforts to resume talks between North Korea and the United States. The international community is closely watching for any developments and their potential impact. Diplomacy and careful negotiations with the two countries, especially Russia, will be essential in managing this evolving situation and ensuring stability in the region. Experts feel Kim’s visit could have the twin purpose of modernising North Korean weaponry and exporting ammunition to Russia in return. That any transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia will be a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions does not deter the two countries — it could well be the beginning of a new ominous buildup.