A Japanese expert says stronger military ties between Russia and North Korea could have a serious impact on the security of Northeast Asia in the mid-to-long term.
Former diplomat and Special Advisor for the Canon Institute for Global Studies, Miyake Kunihiko, has spoken to NHK about reports that North Korean soldiers are being dispatched to Russia.
Regarding the purpose of North Korea’s move, Miyake says the country apparently aims to get Russian crude oil and natural gas as it is struggling with economic difficulties.
He points out that Pyongyang also aims to learn about Russia’s military, missile and satellite technologies, as well as ways of fighting modern warfare.
Miyake notes that North Korean soldiers are highly likely to be deployed on the forefront of Russia’s advances against Ukraine as they do not have enough time to learn the high-level tactics necessary for modern or cyber warfare.
He says that the North Korean troops are likely to be used for close combat on the frontline, or in a battle of attrition, and that the know-how and skills they will obtain through the fighting will fall short of Pyongyang’s expectations.
Miyake concludes that North Korea’s move will have little impact in the short term, but that in 10 or 20 years, the North backed by Russia will likely become more confrontational. He adds that Japan should closely watch moves by North Korea.