North Korea’s Nuclear Ties with Russia Could Impact U.S., Japan, South Korea, NATO Chief Warns

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that North Korea’s acquisition of nuclear and missile technology from Russia is having negative repercussions beyond Europe, affecting South Korea, the United States, and Japan.

Voice of America (VOA) reported on Friday that Rutte cautioned Russia about the interconnected global security issues during a discussion at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s European Center in Brussels on Thursday.

Rutte expressed grave concern over North Korea’s acquisition of missile and nuclear technology from Russia, noting the potential for its use against the United States.

He stressed that the issue extends beyond being merely regional. It affects not just Ukraine, Russia, or Europe but also has global implications that impact South Korea and Japan and have direct consequences for the United States.

Rutte also criticized North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran, stating that these nations are actively working to undermine North America and Europe and erode their freedoms. He mentioned that their efforts to reshape the world order are not aimed at creating a fairer system but at consolidating their influence.

Addressing South Korea’s entry into the NATO defense market, Rutte acknowledged that South Korea is making inroads. He noted that many European allies are procuring South Korean products, which he considers acceptable if they meet market demands.

He added a note of caution, suggesting that those in the defense industry might want to be somewhat concerned about South Korea’s significant push into the NATO market.