Pentagon sounds alarm on deepening Russia-North Korea alliance
Pentagon spokesman U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a media briefing at the Pentagon, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Pentagon voiced concern Tuesday about the “deepening cooperation between Russia” and North Korea.
The deepening cooperation between Russia and the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) is something that should be of concern, especially to anyone that’s interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue to fight against Russian aggression
Spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder
His remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea early Wednesday for his first visit in 24 years. Putin vowed to deepen ties with his nuclear-armed host.
You’re well aware of DPRK providing ammunition and weapons to Russia that’s been able to help them perpetuate their illegal and unprovoked war against the Ukrainian people, so it’s something that we’re going to continue to keep an eye on
Spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder
He said the US’ focus in the Indo-Pacific region and the Korean Peninsula is to work with allies and partners to promote peace, stability and security in the region.
White House concerns about “deepening relationship”, not the trip
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre separately echoed Ryder’s comments on the cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Monday voiced concern about the “deepening relationship” between Russia and North Korea.
We’re not concerned about the trip. What we are concerned about is the deepening relationship between these two countries, not just because of the impacts it’s going to have on the Ukrainian people because we know North Korean ballistic missiles are still being used to Ukrainian targets, but because there could be some reciprocity here that could affect security on the Korean Peninsula
John Kirby
The Kremlin earlier said Putin will pay a two-day visit to North Korea from Tuesday at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. After North Korea, Putin will head to Vietnam, also on a two-day state visit.
Putin first visited North Korea in 2000, when he met with Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il. The current North Korean leader met with Putin in Russia’s Far East last September.
