_{Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un posed for a photo during the signing ceremony of their new partnership in Pyongyang, North Korea. June 19th, 2024. Photo}

Japan and South Korea have raised concerns about the growing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, Financial Times reports on June 20th. The agreement includes mutual assistance against “aggression”.

On Thursday, June 20th, North Korea’s official news agency unveiled the text of the agreement, revealing a pledge to deploy “all means at its disposal without delay” to offer “military and other assistance” should either signatory face invasion or enter a state of war.

The agreement stipulates that any intervention must comply with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the UN Charter, which acknowledges member states’ right to self – defense, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Read more: Putin to Visit North Korea for the First Time in 24 Years

^{Putin in North Korea (Video)}

Putin stated on Wednesday, June 19th, that the strategic partnership could encompass “military technical cooperation” and pledged to support Pyongyang in resisting UN Security Council sanctions, which he described as “illegitimate actions”.

The agreement represents one of Moscow’s strongest commitments in Asia, reminiscent of a 1961 Cold War treaty between the Soviet Union and North Korea that promised mutual defense.

Big concerns

The strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns both regionally and in the West. Officials have accused Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with munitions for use in Ukraine. On Wednesday, June 19th, Putin expressed gratitude to Kim for his support of Russia’s invasion, which Kim has described as a “sacred fight”.

South Korea’s foreign ministry expressed regret on Thursday, June 20th, regarding the strategic partnership, stating that cooperation betweenNorth Korea and Russia “should not undermine regional peace and stability”. The ministry also warned that their military technology collaboration would violate UN Security Council resolutions:

We will sternly respond to any act threatening our security with the international community, including our allies, after conducting thorough analysis on [Putin’s] visit to North Korea and their comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressed opposition to the partnership, voicing serious concern over Russian President Putin’s failure to exclude military technology cooperation with North Korea. He highlighted the implications for the security environment surrounding Japan and the region.

Financial Times and agencies