Blinken warns Moscow against transferring military technology
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Russia against transferring military technology to the self-proclaimed nuclear power North Korea. He had spoken to his South Korean counterpart Park Jin about further measures "that our countries can take with partners to increase the pressure on Moscow not to transfer military technology to the People's Republic (of North Korea)", Blinken said in Seoul on Thursday. Such a technology transfer would violate several UN Security Council resolutions, he emphasized. With a view to North Korea's weapons programs and frequent missile tests, he called on China to exert greater influence on its sealed-off neighbor.
Blinken did not give any details on how far the measures against Russia could go. North Korea, ruled by Kim Jong Un, is subject to tough international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and missile programs. UN resolutions also prohibit other member states from transferring technology to North Korea that could support its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile program.
The USA and South Korea are deeply concerned about the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, said Blinken, who arrived in South Korea on Wednesday after attending the meeting of the G7 group of economically strong democracies in Japan. He accused North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine. In return, Russia was providing technology and assistance for North Korea's own military programs.
One million artillery shells
The USA and South Korea's military and intelligence services suspect that Russia may have received up to one million artillery shells and other military equipment from North Korea since the beginning of August. Last month, the Kremlin stated that the USA had provided no evidence of such weapons deliveries from North Korea.
Blinken called North Korea the "biggest source of instability", which should also worry China. As a result of its unique relationship with North Korea, China has "real influence", he said. "We look to China to use that influence to play a constructive role in drawing North Korea away from its irresponsible and dangerous behavior."
The US and South Korea would also seek to urge China to play a role in preventing arms deals between Moscow and Pyongyang, Blinken's colleague Park said.
Antony Blinken, in his discussions with China, urged them to use their influence to discourage international conflicts, specifically mentioning the transfer of military technology from Russia to North Korea. This action would further escalate 'International Conflicts' and violate several UN Security Council resolutions.
In light of the ongoing international tensions, Antony Blinken highlighted the role of China in mitigating 'International Conflicts' by preventing arms deals between Russia and North Korea, highlighting North Korea as a significant source of instability in the region.
Source: www.dpa.com
