The leaders of Russia and North Korea openly challenged the West. This step was probably approved in advance by Beijing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea is alarming because it indicates the formation of a nuclear bloc, openly hostile to NATO and the global West.
The Times writes about this.
The publication notes that Russia’s supplies of ammunition from the DPRK for the war in Ukraine are just the tip of the iceberg. The big problem is what Pyongyang gets in exchange for help from Moscow.
“It is very unlikely that Kim Jong-un would welcome Putin so generously just for the promise of food and fuel. Kim Jong-un wants advanced communications systems, nuclear submarine technology, military satellite technology and advanced intercontinental ballistic missile technology,” — notes Victor Cha, an analyst at the Washington Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The authors of the article write that “particular horror” is caused by assistance to Pyongyang in improving ballistic missiles for submarines. According to experts, this provides Kim Jong-in with the potential opportunity to launch a surprise first strike, including with nuclear warheads. In addition, the presence of underwater ballistics will allow the DPRK to respond with a powerful blow if its ground forces are destroyed.
Despite the thoughts of analysts about the irritation that the Moscow-Pyongyang alliance causes in Beijing, the publication recalls that China has significant leverage over North Korea, but does not use it. China is North Korea's main trading partner and can block the supply of vital food and fuel at any time. If this is still not happening, it is logical to assume that Beijing has no reason to punish North Korea.
“Putin and Kim's talk of challenging American hegemony is consistent with the message coming out of Beijing – that the American century is over and a new power is taking its place. The message is subtle. Xi has too much a lot of subtlety not to directly declare the existence of a new super-powerful bloc led by him and with the support of Russia, North Korea and Iran. But he doesn’t need to – this week in Pyongyang, Kim and Putin did it for him,” notes The Times .
Recall that dictators Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un signed a “strategic partnership” agreement. It is clear that Russia needs weapons. North Korea will also want “gifts” from Putin in the form of nuclear and missile technologies.
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