Page 72 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation

In return, Russia sent approximately 8,000 containers loaded
with foodstuffs and other daily necessities as well as materials
and parts necessary for weapons production during the same
period. Russia also provided satellite-related technologies
to North Korea. North Korea seems to be asking Russia to
provide technologies related to aircraft and mobile ground
assets. In addition, North Korea has not conducted nuclear
tests in the atmosphere or underwater and has much to learn
about the impact and results of atmospheric and underwater
nuclear explosions from Russia, which conducted nuclear
tests in the atmosphere and underwater during the Soviet
era. Russia could also provide information on submarine
operations. North Korea, which can operate submarines
in coastal waters only, will be able to learn from Russia’s
experience of operating submarines in bastions and launching
missiles from piers.

If North Korea is the primary winner in this game, China is the
secondary winner smiling behind the scenes. Due to the war in
Ukraine and improved Russia-North Korea relations, a situation
has been created where China can gain important advantages
without tarnishing its hands. First, Russia has been weakened by
its own blunders and is becoming China’s junior partner. Second,
the strong Russia-North Korea partnership will be an additional
military and diplomatic burden on South Korea, the United
States, and Japan, on top of the diplomatic challenge posed by
China. Third, if Russia’s war in Ukraine is prolonged due to arms
support from North Korea, war fatigue will spread or worsen
in the West. The growing war-weariness in some countries,
especially the United States, will be a favorable condition for
China, which is aiming for the unification of Taiwan.

Chapter Four : Growing Strategic Linkages and North Korea’s Anti-Unification Policy 71