Germany joins South Korean border guard
There is still no peace treaty between South and North Korea. Soon, German soldiers will also be part of a UN mission to control the border of the rival nations, including a pledge to support South Korea in case of war.
Germany has joined the US-led United Nations Command (UNC) to monitor the border between South and North Korea. This also includes a pledge to support South Korea in defense in case of war. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that joining the UNC is a "clear sign" of Germany's commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region at a ceremony in the US military base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
Pistorius also said that the decision demonstrates the need to show unity and stand firm against those who attack "our common order." It also underscores Germany's position that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely linked.
As part of the UNC, Germany will share responsibility for protecting South Korea's border with North Korea. Germany is the 18th country to join the UN command, and the first since Italy in 2013. US Commander of the UNC and Chief of US Forces in South Korea, Paul LaCamera, said that Germany's addition will strengthen the perspectives and capabilities of the multinational force.
Threat to World Order
Pistorius is visiting several allies in the Pacific region this week. In a speech in Hawaii, he warned of the close, emerging Russian-North Korean military cooperation. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin showed at their latest meeting that they want to challenge the existing international order, Pistorius said. "This has significant consequences for regional and global security. North Korea's progress in rocket technology and nuclear capabilities combined with Russia's large military potential could destabilize regional security in East Asia and beyond."
According to the US government, North Korea has recently supplied Russia with rocket launchers and several ballistic missiles. North Korean rockets are likely also being used in Russia's war against Ukraine. The US government believes that North Korea wants to receive military equipment from Russia in return for its support.
No Peace Treaty
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been increasing for months. North Korea has significantly expanded its rocket tests in the past two years and escalated its rhetoric against the US and South Korea. Dictator Kim has repeatedly called for stepped-up war preparations.
South and North Korea have been divided at the Demilitarized Zone since the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. There is still no peace treaty. North Korea is isolated and largely cut off from the international community. Due to its nuclear and rocket program, the UN has imposed sanctions on the country. Recently, North Korea has expanded its military and economic cooperation with Russia.
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the importance of unity and standing firm against threats to the "common order," mentioned South Korea specifically as a country they are committed to defending within the Indo-Pacific region, and stated that Germany will be part of the UNC responsible for protecting South Korea's border with North Korea. Additionally, Pistorius expressed concern about increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the lack of a peace treaty between South and North Korea, and the growing close military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
