The alliance between the leaders of North Korea and Russia has recently received international media attention. Indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered a car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, marking a new sign of a strengthened relationship between the two countries.
The Russian car intended for Kim Jong Un’s personal use was handed over by a Russian delegation and received a warm welcome from Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong. The latter stressed that this gift testifies to the special relations between the leaders of the two countries. This proximity between North Korea and Russia raises concerns among American officials.
American intelligence services fear that this new strategic relationship between North Korea and Russia will have long-term consequences, particularly with regard to China’s influence over Pyongyang. They also fear that North Korea could take advantage of this rapprochement with Russia to intensify its nuclear testing program.
Although Putin’s gift to Kim Jong Un may violate United Nations sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, this is not the first luxury car for Kim. The North Korean leader is often seen driving around in high-end vehicles, from armored Mercedes limousines to cars imported from Russia.
This proximity between Kim Jong Un and Putin is not new, since the two leaders have already met several times, notably during a summit in Russia last year. Kim Jong Un’s stated support for Putin’s policies, particularly in Ukraine, strengthens ties between the two countries.
This relationship between North Korea and Russia raises questions about the balance of power in Asia, and raises concerns about the future of the region. The next developments between these two countries could have major repercussions on the international scene and require increased vigilance on the part of the international community. The world is attentive to the emergence of a new geopolitical situation which could reshape the balance of forces in Asia.