The Truth of the Matter
Crossing the Rubicon: North Korea Sends Troops to Russia
Nov 1, 2024
Victor Cha, an expert on North Korea, joins Maria Snegubaya, a specialist in Eurasia, Mark Kantsian, a retired Marine Corps Colonel, and Dennis Wilder, a U.S.-China relations scholar. They dive into North Korea's decision to send troops to Russia, exploring strategic incentives for both nations. The conversation reveals how this alliance could shape the battlefield in Ukraine and discusses China’s calculated stance on this evolving geopolitical landscape. They also address the implications of Russia's oil economy navigating sanctions and the potential risks of military collaboration.
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Quick takeaways
- North Korea's troop deployment to Russia signifies a strategic alliance aimed at military support in exchange for advanced military technologies.
- China's cautious stance on North Korea's involvement reflects its need to balance support for Russia with maintaining its regional influence and security.
Deep dives
North Korea's Strategic Support for Russia
North Korea's recent decision to send approximately 10,000 troops to assist Russia reflects a significant alignment between the two nations. This move symbolizes a deep allegiance, with North Korea aiming to secure military and financial aid from Russia in exchange for direct military support. The deployment not only enhances Russia's military capacity in Ukraine but also provides North Korea with valuable military training and equipment, potentially modernizing its forces. Moreover, there is a transactional element likely at play, as Kim Jong-un may expect advanced military technologies from Russia to bolster North Korea's own weapons programs, including aspirations for nuclear submarines.
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