Since the Cold War, North Korea has been known to have nuclear power and weapons. But how did they acquire these? Who gave them the technology?
When North Korea declared its nuclear power status in 2006, it caused international tension as it was against international laws to possess nuclear weapons by any country. North Korea had to have received help from outside sources in order to develop the technology.
According to a report by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), North Korea acquired the technology from Pakistan in the late 1990s. Pakistan was a key supplier of nuclear technology at the time, providing components and expertise to both North Korea and the Middle East. In 1999, North Korea’s nuclear aid from Pakistan included a variety of components and equipment, such as a rather complete uranium enrichment plant.
This transfer of technology took place even though the US and other countries had imposed sanctions on Pakistan. The sanctions were implemented as a result of Pakistan’s weapons program, and the country’s then-dictator, General Pervez Musharraf, argued that he needed the technology to make his own nuclear weapons too.
Regardless of the motives, it was clear that the technology that Pakistan was supplying was helping North Korea develop a nuclear weapons program. In 2008, reports surfaced that Pakistan had provided North Korea with designs for nuclear warheads. It was also suspected that North Korea was trying to develop plutonium-based bombs, which Pakistan would have no problem providing if it had any.
The international community was alarmed by these developments and soon imposed stricter sanctions on both Pakistan and North Korea. In 2011, the two countries agreed to a nonproliferation treaty, though this agreement did not make any reference to nuclear technology.
Despite the agreements, there is still evidence that Pakistan has been supplying nuclear technology to North Korea. In 2012, a Pakistani official testified that he had been covertly sending nuclear material to North Korea in exchange for hard currency. In 2014, North Korea conducted a fourth nuclear test, raising further concerns about the origin of the technology.
South Korea’s Nuclear Technology Support
North Korea has also received assistance from other countries, notably its neighbor, South Korea. South Korea has long been accused of providing North Korea with nuclear materials and technology, which have been vital for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
An article in The Diplomat states that North Korea has received support from South Koreans in the form of uranium enrichment plants, enrichment technology, and nuclear weapons design technology. South Korea has also been accused of helping North Korea to develop its own nuclear reactors, the same kind used in South Korea’s own nuclear power plants.
In addition to providing technology and expertise, South Korea also provides North Korea with money to buy nuclear materials and technology. This has been made possible due to the economic links between the two countries, as well as the fact that South Korea is one of the few countries that can legally provide aid and resources to North Korea.
The extent of South Korea’s support for North Korea’s nuclear program is hard to measure, but there’s no doubt that North Korea has benefited from its relationship with South Korea. It is likely that South Korea has been a major contributor to North Korea’s nuclear development and progress.
Chinese Assistance
Aside from Pakistan and South Korea, North Korea has also received nuclear technology from China. China is North Korea’s closest ally, and it has been supplying the country with advanced nuclear technology for years.
A report by the Congressional Research Service states that China has been providing North Korea with uranium enrichment technology, nuclear reactor designs and construction techniques, as well as various other technical assistance. It is also suspected that China has provided higher-level nuclear technology, such as nuclear weapons designs and related materials.
China has also provided financial assistance to North Korea, which has allowed the country to purchase more nuclear technology from abroad. The Chinese government has repeatedly denied that it is helping North Korea’s nuclear program by providing materials or technology, but there is ample evidence to the contrary.
The extent of China’s involvement in North Korea’s nuclear program is still unclear, but it is clear that China has provided some sort of assistance. China claims that it is only providing help to ensure peace on the Korean peninsula and that their support is in no way helping or aiding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Russia’s Role
Russia has also been accused of supplying North Korea with nuclear technology. While the majority of North Korea’s nuclear technology has been sourced from Pakistan and China, Russia may also have had a hand in the acquisition.
An article in The National Interest states that Russia has been providing technology and components to North Korea that could be used for nuclear weapons development. These include components for uranium enrichment, plutonium production, and other related activities. Russia has also been accused of receiving payments from North Korea for the nuclear-related goods.
The extent of Russia’s involvement in North Korea’s nuclear program is still unknown, but it is likely that Russia has provided some level of assistance. Russia has denied any involvement, but the evidence is mounting.
Conclusion
It is clear that North Korea has received assistance from both foreign and domestic sources to develop its nuclear weapons program. While some of the assistance has come from international entities such as Pakistan and China, other sources are not as readily identifiable. It is likely that the assistance is coming from multiple countries in a variety of forms, often with the goal of keeping the North Korean nuclear program hidden from international scrutiny.
Ultimately, North Korea’s nuclear program is a complex web of international collaboration and shady deals that have allowed the country to become a nuclear power. It is difficult to ascertain who is responsible for the proliferation of nuclear technology, but it is clear that the international community needs to take steps to prevent a nuclear arms race in the region.
