The foreign ministry of North Korea expressed strong disapproval of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent comments regarding Pyongyang’s relations with Moscow. The ministry criticized Blinken’s remarks, stating that they would only serve to escalate political and military tensions on the Korean peninsula. Blinken had made the comments during his visit to Seoul, where he met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other high-ranking officials after attending a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Japan.
During his visit, Blinken emphasized the growing and potentially dangerous military ties between North Korea and Russia. He also called on Beijing, North Korea’s main ally, to exercise restraint in dealing with the nuclear-armed nation. North Korea, in response, condemned Blinken’s comments as being irresponsible and provocative.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Pyongyang’s foreign ministry stated that Blinken’s remarks would only exacerbate the dangerous political and military tensions in the region. The ministry emphasized that the United States should accept the new reality of the DPRK-Russia relations, using North Korea’s official name.
Russia and North Korea, both subject to international sanctions, have witnessed an increase in their military cooperation, causing concern among Ukraine and its allies. This cooperation has become particularly notable following a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September. It has been claimed that Pyongyang provided one million artillery rounds to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine in exchange for satellite technology advice.
Despite criticism, North Korea affirmed that its friendly and cooperative relations with Russia, centered around independence, peace, and friendship, will continue to strengthen. Following Blinken’s visit, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is scheduled to meet with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul on Monday, as both countries intensify their own defense cooperation.
