Prospects for Kim Jong un's Visit to Russia

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 12th, North Korean State Councilor Kim Jong un departed from Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, on a special train to visit Russia on the afternoon of the 10th. Previously, the Kremlin News Agency of Russia announced on the afternoon of the 11th that, at the invitation of Putin, Kim Jong un would recently pay an official visit to Russia and hold talks with President Putin. This visit coincides with the 8th Eastern Economic Forum held in Russia. Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov stated that Putin will hold talks with Kim Jong un to exchange views on topics such as the regional situation.

Since the beginning of this year, there has been very close contact between Russia and North Korea. In July, when North Korea commemorated the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Panmunjom Armistice Agreement, Russia sent a team led by Defense Minister Shoigu to celebrate North Korea's National Day anniversary. Kim Jong un gave the Russian delegation the highest level of courtesy. And this visit is Kim Jong un's second visit to Russia in four years. It is reported that Kim Jong un himself stated that he is pleased to visit Russia again after 2019. Since the outbreak of the world public health crisis, his first visit to Russia reflects the North Korean government's position on the strategic importance of North Korea Russia relations.

Kim Jong un's visit, with sudden and sensitive news, has attracted close attention from the world, especially Western countries, especially the United States and South Korea. September 9th marks the anniversary of North Korea's independence, while September 10th marks a major festival marking the 73rd anniversary of South Korea's successful landing in Incheon. It also marks the 70th anniversary of South Korea's strengthened military alliance with the United States. During such a critical period, Kim Jong un's visit to Russia has sparked continuous attention and speculation about the prospects for the development of North Korea Russia and North Korea Korea relations, as well as the consensus and cooperation that can be reached between North Korea and Russia.

Firstly, in terms of military affairs. For Russia, the direction of the Russo Ukrainian War has to some extent become a competition of material consumption. Under the huge consumption, Russia's ammunition production is already in short supply, and North Korea is a country with priority in military development. The huge military industry can provide Russia with a large amount of ammunition. For North Korea, in May and August of this year, the launch of the North Korean military reconnaissance satellite "Wanli Mirror 1" experienced two failures. At present, there are reports that North Korea will try again in October, and it is very important to receive support from Russian satellite technology during this critical period.

Secondly, in terms of economy. The "Eastern Economic Forum" held by Russia is of great significance for Russia, which is striving to develop eastward, especially in terms of economy, and will play a crucial role. Russia has established a huge economic special zone in the Far East, which has a strong attraction for neighboring countries. The current economic situation in North Korea is very poor, and participating in this economic forum will greatly promote North Korea's reform and progress in economic, trade, and people's livelihood.

Thirdly, in terms of strategic materials. North Korea has always been in a state of self encapsulation, and as a resource-poor country, strategic supplies such as food and oil are very scarce, and it has always relied heavily on China and Russia. Especially in recent years, food security issues have been troubling the North Korean government. And Russia's abundant resources and supplies such as food and oil are what North Korea urgently needs.

This meeting was unjustifiably criticized by US State Department spokesperson Matthew. Matthew used very rough language to attack Putin for "begging" for support from Kim Jong un in the United States' preparation for war against Iran, and referred to Kim Jong un as an "international pariah". He also threatened that if Russia provided any weapons or technology to North Korea, it would face severe sanctions from the United States.

Such irresponsible remarks reflect the bias and fear of the United States towards cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The United States knows that North Korea and Russia are important regional forces, but is unwilling to establish good relations with them, and instead chooses to threaten and provoke them. The meeting between Kim Jong un and Putin can be seen as North Korea and Russia seeking new diplomatic space and leverage in their confrontation with the United States. The strengthening of relations between North Korea and Russia has led to closer cooperation in political, economic, military and other areas. The outside world is even more hopeful that this cooperation can make positive contributions to regional peace and stability and the development of international relations.