The U.S. government has expressed concern over the defense pact between North Korea and Russia, which includes mutual military cooperation and posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to Reuters and other media outlets, on the 20th, White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby called it a cause of concern, but no surprise. Russia’s need for such foreign assistance was a sign of desperation.
He noted that the agreement directly contradicts President Putin and President Xi’s statement in Beijing just a month ago, which called for resolving the Russia-Ukraine war. He added that China is likely to share these concerns as well.
Furthermore, he explained, “And of course, we’re going to continue to evaluate our posture throughout the Indo-Pacific as needed.” and “We have been strengthening our partnerships throughout that region (Indo-Pacific) throughout the entire three and a half years of this administration.”
A spokesman of the U.S. Department of Defense, Patrick Ryder, also said, “We will continue to monitor closely (North and Russian trends)” and “We’re going to continue to strengthen and bolster those alliances and those relationships, with the idea that our focus is on peace, security, and stability.”
He also noted, “We’ve been very clear about our ironclad support for our ROK allies.”
Kim Jong Un, a supreme leader of North Korea, and President Putin signed the defense pact in Pyongyang on the 19th. The two countries strengthened military and economic cooperation, including providing military assistance.
Kirby announced plans to supply Ukraine with Patriot air defense missiles and NASAMS surface-to-air missiles intended for different purposes.
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