In the continuing shadowy fist of war, the United States and its allies have expressed growing concern over North Korea’s escalating nuclear and missile threats, as well as its increasing military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A senior US official, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, said the situation was urgent because North Korea’s actions are “creating further instability in Europe.“
Campbell’s comments came after a meeting with South Korean and Japanese counterparts to increase international pressure on North Korea. The trio condemned North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments, deepening military cooperation with Russia and illicit activities funding its weapons program.
The US, South Korea, Japan, and eight Western governments have launched a multinational team to monitor the enforcement of sanctions against North Korea. This became necessary after Russia’s veto of a UN resolution in March, effectively abolishing UN expert monitoring of Security Council sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also accused North Korea of sending military personnel in support of Russia’s war effort, although Campbell could not confirm these reports. North Korea has denied providing any military support to Russia.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have intensified since 2022, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un capitalizing on Russia’s war in Ukraine to escalate weapons testing and threats. Therefore, Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo have strengthened combined military exercises and nuclear deterrence strategies.
South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun called for a unified response. “We have agreed to maintain a solid South Korea-US combined posture to respond firmly to North Korean provocations,” he said.
The diplomats issued a joint statement condemning North Korea’s actions and reaffirming the US’s “ironclad” commitment to defend its allies.
They also oppose China‘s alleged unilateral attempts to change the status quo in Indo-Pacific waters with its belligerency towards Taiwan.
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