On June 10, a U.S. Department of Defense official expressed concern about the possibility of Russia providing surface-to-air missiles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technology concerning the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
During the Strengthening the U.S.-Korea Alliance seminar co-hosted by the Korea National Diplomatic Academy and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy Richard Johnson stated, “We are very concerned about the joint ventures and cooperation between North Korea and Russia.”
He said, “I have data showing that North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers filled with military equipment and ammunition,” adding, “It’s a terrible outcome. This violates the UN Security Council’s resolution against North Korea.”
He also said, “We are concerned that such funds (from weapons trade) could be used for and flow into North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.”
Johnson further stated, “On the other hand, we are concerned that Russia may be assisting North Korea in various fields, including surface-to-air missiles, ballistic missile production equipment and materials, or other advanced technology. Therefore, we are closely monitoring this issue.” He also linked this to Russia’s veto on the extension of the term of the expert panel under the UN North Korea Sanctions Committee, which has been monitoring North Korea’s sanctions compliance.
Johnson said that the Biden administration’s policy towards North Korea “has not changed and has remained the same since the inception of the Biden administration” and that “the goal is the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, ” adding, “North Korea’s actions pose a serious threat to international peace and security.”
He emphasized, “We are ready to meet with North Korea without any preconditions, but we will only do so in close consultation with South Korea, Japan, and other allies. From the perspective of the Department of Defense, the best we can do is to strengthen extended deterrence and demonstrate flexibility in the deployment of all types of nuclear forces.”
Johnson cited the completion of joint guidelines as the most significant achievement of the 3rd Nuclear Consultation Group (NCG) held in Korea, explaining, “These guidelines will serve as principles and procedures for U.S. and Korea to substantively review nuclear deterrence issues in terms of policy and posture.”
He also explained that they have agreed to conduct at least three Tabletop Exercises (TTX) and military drills in 2025.