In a joint statement, the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have expressed strong condemnation against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for providing military equipment and munitions to Russia. The statement was released on October 25, 2023, by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin.
According to the details disclosed in the press release, the weapons deliveries are "significantly increas[ing] the human toll of Russia’s war of aggression" against Ukraine. The three countries pledge to "work together with the international community to expose Russia’s attempts to acquire military equipment from the DPRK"
As stated in the press release, the DPRK seeks military assistance from Russia to advance its own military capabilities. The joint statement emphasizes that any such arms transfers would violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, which Russia itself has voted for. "We are monitoring closely for any materials that Russia provides to the DPRK in support of Pyongyang’s military objectives," the officials stated.
In line with the contents of the official statement, there is deep concern about the potential transfer of nuclear- or ballistic missile-related technology to North Korea. Such activities "jeopardize the ongoing efforts of the international community to keep sensitive technologies out of the hands of actors who are working to destabilize regional security."
Per the information outlined in the official statement, the United States, Japan, and South Korea remain "resolute in our opposition to arms transfers and related military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia." They also expressed the harmful impact such activities have on global security and nonproliferation. The three nations are urging both the DPRK and Russia "to abide by relevant UN Security Council resolutions and immediately cease all activities that violate them."
