North Korea and Russia have had relatively cordial diplomatic relations since the end of the Cold War. This raises the question of whether the North Korean regime actually supports or endorses the current Russian government, or if this relationship is solely transactional. To better understand this tangled international dynamic, it is important to analyze the diplomatic history and current geopolitical environment between the two nations.
Historically, North Korea and the Soviet Union forged a close relationship in the 1950s. The two nations even signed a mutual assistance pact in 1961. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 80s, this alliance weakened drastically. While North Korea has maintained cordial relations with the Russian Federation since then, these ties haven’t been nearly as close as they once were.
In recent years, though, North Korea and Russia have engaged in various diplomatic efforts to improve their respective standing. Russia has pledged economic assistance and even military support in the event of further nuclear threats from Western powers. Additionally, Russian Premier Vladimir Putin has taken steps to establish closer ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
It appears as if North Korea does not necessarily support the Russian government, but it is certainly open to engaging in many of the same diplomatic and economic objectives. For instance, both nations oppose the United States’ aggressive unilateral policies, and the two often cooperate in regional issues such as energy and trade.
North Korea and Russia have also found common ground in their rejection of U.S. missile defense systems and the recent U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang. Russia has actively backed North Korea’s efforts to modernize its economy and nuclear weapons program, with the two negotiating economic and energy deals as recently as 2018.
Russia has also played a key role in maintaining the deadlock between North Korea and the United States. President Putin continues to insist that dialogue. The goal of the Russian Federation is to promote diplomatic discussions rather than any specific political position, and it has been willing to mediate negotiations between the two adversaries.
North Korea’s Trade With Russia
North Korea and Russia have engaged in consistent trade for years. According to the World Bank, North Korea’s exports to Russia totaled nearly $1.2 billion in 2017, with the majority of these exports consisting of coal and other mineral products. North Korea also imports a significant amount of oil and petroleum from Russia.
However, North Korea has recently taken steps to reduce its dependence on oil imports. It has instead been turning to domestically produced fuels, such as renewables. This is in part due to the fact that Russia has placed sanctions on North Korea that have resulted in the significant reduction of Russian oil exports to the country.
In addition to trade, the tourism industry has grown between the two countries as well. Large numbers of Russian tourists visit North Korea every year, many of them taking advantage of the fact that tourists do not need a visa to enter. International tourism provides economic benefits to North Korea as well as Russian-based tourism companies.
Furthermore, both North Korea and Russia have made some headway in the area of nuclear research. North Korea has long pursued nuclear weapons development, while Russia is modernizing its own nuclear arsenal in order to defend against potential threats from NATO or other western powers. This has created a need for cooperation between the two governments on a number of nuclear-related issues.
North Korea’s Opinions On Russia
From North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s perspective, the relationship with Russia is complex. On the one hand, this relationship helps North Korea to maintain international legitimacy and to secure economic assistance. Furthermore, Russia is seen as a counterbalance to U.S. power.
On the other hand, North Korea is clearly wary of the Russian government’s intentions. Not only has Russia been unwilling to offer substantial economic assistance, but it also remains hostile to Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions. This has created a degree of friction between the two countries and this remains a source of tension.
Therefore, it can be said that North Korea remains cautious of Russia, wary of its intentions and motivations. However, the relationship is an essential one for North Korea in order to maintain legitimacy and independence among international affairs.
North Korea’s Goals With Russia
North Korea sees its relationship with Russia as an essential part of its greater foreign policy objectives and strategies. North Korea has long advocated for nuclear disarmament, and it has been looking to Russia for assistance in achieving this goal.
At the same time, North Korea is aware of the potential risks associated with having a close relationship with Russia. The United States and other western nations have the capacity to levy sanctions against Russia, similar to the ones placed on North Korea. Additionally, the United States has made it clear that it will respond aggressively to any nuclear weapons tests conducted by Russia or North Korea.
Therefore, it appears as if North Korea is maintaining its diplomatic relations with Russia, but with an eye to the future. North Korea has been careful to limit its political and economic engagement with Russia, and it appears to be focused on furthering its own agenda rather than solely supporting the Russian government.
Aftermath Of The Covid-19 Outbreak
The novel coronavirus outbreak has had a far-reaching impact on global politics, and North Korea and Russia have been no exception. North Korea has taken aggressive steps to prevent the virus from entering its borders, including shutting down its borders completely.
Russia, on the other hand, has taken a different approach. From the start, President Putin has been vocal in his support of North Korea, despite the fact that the international community has been largely critical of Pyongyang’s Covid-19 response. Putin has even gone so far as to offer assistance to North Korea in the form of medical, food, and supplemental supplies.
In response, North Korea has issued a number of thank-you messages and gestures to the Russian government for its support. This has further strengthened the bond between the two nations and given them further reason to cooperate in the future.
North Korea’s Future Relations With Russia
It is clear that North Korea and Russia have demonstrated a great deal of diplomatic coordination and cooperation in recent years. This has been especially true in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite their differences, the two nations have demonstrated a willingness to work together in order to protect their mutual interests.
Of course, this does not mean that North Korea is actually in support of the Russian government. Rather, it is likely that the North Korean regime is merely using Russia as a means to further its own goals. In the end, North Korea is likely to remain cautiously independent, while continuing to maintain cordial relations with the Russian government.
Russia’s Influence On North Korea
Russia’s willingness to collaborate with North Korea has had a major influence on North Korea’s foreign policy and internal governance. North Korea has seen an increase in international legitimacy as a result of its relationship with Russia and this has enabled it to reach a certain level of diplomatic parity with the United States and other Western nations.
Furthermore, this relationship has enabled North Korea to secure access to resources and technology that would otherwise be unavailable. For example, North Korea has been able to purchase advanced weaponry from Russia, as well as secure trades for essential commodities. This provides North Korea with the ability to develop its economy beyond the sanctions imposed by its adversaries.
Russia also provides North Korea with a degree of international diplomatic protection, shielding it from criticism and censure from the international community. Russia has furthermore helped to mediate disputes between North Korea and other nations, most notably its conflicts with Japan and the United States.
It is clear, then, that North Korea’s relationship with Russia is an important tool in its foreign policy arsenal. Although North Korea is not a member of the Russian government or its ruling party, it appears as if North Korea remains dependent on its relationship with Russia for access to resources and protection from international condemnation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it appears as if North Korea’s relationship with Russia is respectful but not necessarily supportive in nature. North Korea has been open to engaging in diplomacy with Russia and has even entered into various trade agreements.
However, North Korea has been careful to limit its political and economic engagement with Russia, and it appears to be focused on furthering its own agenda rather than solely supporting the Russian government. This has allowed North Korea to secure access to resources and technology, as well as diplomatic protection from the international community.
