Today, Explained From North Korea with Love
Sep 14, 2023
Jenny Town, the Director of the 38 North program at the Stimson Center, delves into Kim Jong Un's recent bulletproof train ride to meet Vladimir Putin. She highlights the mutual benefits of their evolving alliance amid geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning military cooperation and the Ukraine conflict. Town also discusses North Korea’s pressing food security issues, exacerbated by the pandemic, and Kim's push for agricultural reforms. Surprisingly, she illuminates North Korea's unexpected strategic ties with nations like Cuba and Venezuela.
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Kim's Train Journey
- Kim Jong-un took a bulletproof train to meet Vladimir Putin.
- The reason for his avoidance of air travel remains unknown.
Strengthened Alliance
- Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin's meeting reflects their growing relationship, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Kim openly supports Russia, both politically and materially, in the Ukraine war.
Context of the Summit
- The summit between Putin and Kim Jong-un followed increasing relations and rumors of arms deals.
- It also coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice and deepening US-South Korea-Japan relations.