North Korea has long been a source of geological and political curiosity, largely due to its secluded location and contentious history with other nations. But which state is closest to this hermit kingdom? The answer is Russia. This article will examine the unique nuances of the North Korean-Russian border, the diplomatic ties between these two states, and any implications this has beyond the region.
At its northernmost point, North Korea shares a border with Russia along the Tumen River. This border stretches for 27 km or 17 miles and is quite similar in size to the land border that exists between North Korea and China, to the south. Recent estimates suggest that there are 12,700 people living in these two countries that fall within the boundaries of the North Korean-Russian border.
Despite the political tension that comes with North Korea’s precarious global situation, the relationship between North Korea and Russia has grown increasingly strong over recent years. This understanding between the two countries dates back as far as the middle of the 20th century, when the Soviet Union and Kim-Il Sung signed the Soviet-North Korean treaty of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance in 1961. Since then, the friendship between the two countries has continued with the two countries working together in a variety of arenas, from the UN Security Council to bilateral economic partnerships and agreements.
One of the most visible examples of the strong ties between North Korea and Russia is the annual joint military exercises held between the two countries since 2016. Known as the Khasan Military Exercises, these drills are held every year and involve both countries sharing their military and tactical experience as part of an overall effort to increase cooperation and build a stronger security relationship. In addition, North Korea and Russia have also held a number of joint projects, such as a trans-Korean gas pipeline and a rail link between the two countries. The Chinese government has also supported both of these efforts, as another step towards regional collaboration.
The close ties between North Korea and Russia could have significant implications for both the region and the wider world. For example, North Korea is known to possess a sizable arsenal of nuclear weapons that could be used in a conflict. With Russia’s support, these weapons could be provided to other countries or terrorist groups to accomplish a greater goal. In addition, the close connection between North Korea and Russia has also led to fears of increasing espionage activity and the transfer of weapons of mass destruction. As these countries share a border, there is an increased risk of these materials crossing over into the wrong hands.
It is clear that the state that is closest to North Korea is Russia. Despite the geo-political dimensions of their relationship, the two countries have managed to forge a strong bond that has allowed them to cooperate in a range of areas, from military exercises to joint projects. There is certainly a need for caution as this relationship deepens, as this could have potentially dangerous implications for the region. However, if handled correctly, the North Korean-Russian Friendship could help to promote peace and stability in the region.
Relationship with China
China is an important influencer in the relationship between North Korea and Russia, as it has an extensive international agenda in the region and has actively sought to mediate conflicts between the two countries. China has been one of the primary supporters of North Korea throughout the modern era, and almost all of the country’s diplomatic efforts related to North Korea pass through Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China has been critical in helping to keep the relationship between North Korea and Russia from becoming too volatile, and has worked to ensure that tensions between the two countries have remained relatively low.
China is also a major economic trade partner of both countries, with trade between the two reporting a total of $4.5 billion in 2017. China has also provided support for numerous joint projects between North Korea and Russia, including the trans-Korean gas pipeline and the proposed railway system that would link the two countries together. As an international mediator, China has also sought to foster dialogue between North Korea and Russia, in efforts to provide diplomatic solutions to a number of contentious issues.
Given the importance of this relationship, it is in China’s interests to maintain a positive relationship between North Korea and Russia. As such, China has sought to use its influence and power to ensure that the two countries remain on reasonable grounds. This could prove crucial for the future of the region, as it means that conflicts between the two states could be contained and solved through diplomacy rather thanmilitary action.
Historical Background
The close link between North Korea and Russia dates back to the middle of the 20th century, when the two countries signed a formal treaty of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance in 1961. This treaty was largely seen as a reflection of North Korea’s highly dependent relationship with the Soviet Union, which provided a significant amount of economic, military and political support to North Korea in the post-war period. However, the relationship between North Korea and Russia began to deteriorate in the late1980s as the Soviet Union’s grip on the international order weakened and the Cold War faded away.
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, leaving North Korea to cope with the sudden withdrawal of much of its former economic and military support. This meant that the North Korean-Russian relationship was put on an uncertain footing for a period of time. It wasn’t until the early 2000s, when Vladimir Putin came to power, that the relationship between the two countries started to become more solid. Putin focused on developing closer economic ties between the two countries, and by 2010, the two countries had signed an agreement to develop joint projects in their shared border region.
North Korea’s relationship with Russia has been heavily shaped by its historical links to the Soviet Union, and vice versa. However, the modern relationship between the two states has been primarily focused on economic issues, including the provision of aid, the development of joint infrastructure projects and the promotion of regional security. The two countries have also worked closely together in international organizations such as the United Nations Security Council, and North Korean-Russian relations are currently at their strongest point in decades.
Effects on the Region
North Korea’s close relationship with Russia has a number of implications for the wider region, both positive and negative. On the one hand, the improved diplomatic ties between the two countries has the potential to significantly reduce tensions between the two countries. This could help to de-escalate any potential conflict, which would be beneficial for both countries and for the region as a whole. On the other hand, the relationship between North Korea and Russia could also potentially lead to increased military activity and espionage. This would have a detrimental impact on the region, as it could lead to increased military conflict and foreign interference.
The close relationship between North Korea and Russia also has significant implications for the global community. As North Korea is a nuclear power, any attempt to militarize would be a serious concern for the international community. Moreover, if the North Korean-Russian Friendship continues to deepen, there is potential for the two countries to use their combined influence in the United Nations Security Council, which has the potential to affect global politics and policies in significant ways.
Finally, North Korea’s relationship with Russia could also be a significant challenge to the United States and other Western countries. As North Korea and Russia become closer, the United States faces the prospect of a more unified and emboldened bloc of states that could challenge its interests in the region. For this reason, it is important for the United States to ensure that it maintains its strong relationship with both countries, in order to ensure that it can effectively respond to any potential challenges that may arise in the future.
Economic Cooperation
In terms of economic ties, North Korea and Russia have been working together for many years. The two countries have a strong trade relationship, and in 2012, Russia became the largest exporter of goods to North Korea, with a total value of $1.2 billion. Russia is also a major source of fuel and energy for North Korea, providing the country with oil and gas. Russia has also been involved in a number of joint infrastructure projects, including the construction of a trans-Korean gas pipeline and a railway link connecting Russia and North Korea.
Additionally, Russia has also provided North Korea with significant financial assistance. This includes loans and investments, as well as the provision of food aid and humanitarian assistance. Russia has also sought to provide North Korea with a number of beneficial deals, such as loans with low interest rates and favorable terms for trade deals. This has helped to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries, and has provided the North Korean government with much needed assistance.
The economic cooperation between North Korea and Russia is important for both countries, as it helps to reduce the economic isolation of North Korea. This has numerous benefits, such as increased access to new markets, improved efficiency of trade, and increased investment in the North Korean economy. All of these factors can help to stimulate growth and development, as well as promote peace and stability in the region.
Implications for the US
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has potentially serious implications for US foreign policy, as it could lead to increased economic and political ties between the two countries. This could be a challenge for the US, as it would mean that North Korea and Russia could wield more influence over the region and could challenge US interests and policies. In order to counter this, it is important for the US to maintain its strong relationship with both countries, and ensure that it can effectively monitor and manage any potential challenges.
The US must also be aware of the potential use of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction by Russia. The US should work with both countries to ensure that these weapons are not transferred to other countries or terrorist organizations. In addition, the US should also be aware of the potential political and economic implications of closer ties between North Korea and Russia, as this could lead to a more unified bloc of countries challenging US interests.
Ultimately, the close relationship between North Korea and Russia is an important factor to consider when looking at international dynamics in the region. North Korea and Russia share a border and have developed an increasingly strong relationship. As a result, the implications of this friendship could have a significant impact on the region and on US foreign policy. It is therefore essential for the US to remain vigilant and engaged with both countries, in order to ensure that any potential challenges are effectively managed.
