{"id":2202283,"date":"2023-09-18T08:00:40","date_gmt":"2023-09-17T23:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202283"},"modified":"2023-09-17T19:43:30","modified_gmt":"2023-09-17T10:43:30","slug":"south-korea-faces-limited-options-to-respond-to-russia-north-korea-cooperation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/09\/south-korea-faces-limited-options-to-respond-to-russia-north-korea-cooperation\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea faces limited options to respond to Russia-North Korea cooperation"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol <\/span>expressed<\/span><\/a> concerns on Sunday over the growing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea. He pointed to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un\u2019s <\/span>recent trip<\/span><\/a> to Russia, where he met with Vladimir Putin and inspected various <\/span>advanced military installations<\/span><\/a>. Yoon warned that such cooperation breaches U.N. Security Council resolutions and various international sanctions and threatens regional stability. Highlighting global ramifications, he plans to discuss the issue at the <\/span>upcoming U.N. General Assembly<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Amid <\/span>speculation<\/span><\/a> that North Korea could offer Russia war supplies in exchange for technology and economic assistance, Yoon reiterated that the international community would unite firmly against such moves. These developments have heightened anxieties in South Korea, with experts raising the possibility of Russia aiding North Korea in acquiring advanced weaponry like spy satellites and nuclear-powered submarines. While Yoon plans to communicate countermeasures in collaboration with the U.S., Japan and other nations, he emphasized a bolstered military alliance with the U.S. and increasing trilateral security cooperation with Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n South Korea\u2019s growing reliance on Russia for energy imports contrasts sharply with the potential security threats posed by Moscow\u2019s increasing military collaboration with Pyongyang. According to customs data, from Jan. to July 2023, South Korea <\/span>imported<\/span><\/a> 17.38 million metric tons of coal from Russia. Further, coal imports surged to 8.29 million metric tons from May to July, marking an increase of nearly 39% year-on-year.<\/span><\/p>\n This collaboration became even more evident during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un\u2019s visit to Russia, where Vladimir Putin <\/span>promised<\/span><\/a> to assist Pyongyang in satellite development. This pledge follows North Korea\u2019s <\/span>unsuccessful attempt<\/span><\/a> to launch a military spy satellite in August. With another launch scheduled for October and Moscow\u2019s new support, a successful spy satellite program for North Korea could diminish South Korea\u2019s current technological superiority in surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s recent commitment to assist Ukraine underscores the tightrope South Korea is walking. Yoon <\/span>pledged<\/span><\/a> $2.3 billion for Ukraine\u2019s post-war reconstruction, with $300 million earmarked for humanitarian aid next year and the remaining $2 billion as low-interest loans through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund beginning in 2025. As Russia\u2019s engagement with North Korea deepens on the military front, Seoul will face more pressure to consider extending <\/span>lethal arms support<\/span><\/a> to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. However, South Korea will still face limited options as it attempts to avoid souring relations with Moscow and Beijing \u2014 two crucial trade partners.<\/span><\/p>\n