The United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, Bonnie Jenkins, brought attention to the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea, as well as concerns over possible nuclear technology transfers between the two countries while attending the Global Forum on Preventing Radioactive and Nuclear Terrorism in Romania.
Jenkins informed Reuters that the U.S. does not yet have specific information on Russia transferring nuclear technology to North Korea. She emphasized that Washington will closely monitor the overall cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Jenkins stated, “The United States is working closely with its allies to clearly and explicitly express concerns on this matter in the international community.”
Jenkins expressed that U.S. concerns are not just about the potential transfer of nuclear technology from Russia to North Korea, but also the deepening cooperation between the two countries and North Korea’s assistance to Russia. She pointed out, “This cooperation is not limited to the defense industry development between Russia and North Korea, but also includes North Korea sending 10,000 soldiers to Russia.”
State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed on Tuesday (November 12) that North Korea has dispatched over 10,000 soldiers to the Russian Far East, with most North Korean soldiers reported to be involved in combat in the Kursk region and with Ukrainian forces.
Jenkins’ remarks align with statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
On the same day, Blinken and Rutte spoke at NATO headquarters, both emphasizing concerns over Russia potentially transferring missiles and nuclear technology to North Korea.
However, the U.S. Department of Defense stated that they cannot confirm the veracity of reports about North Korean soldiers participating in warfare.
In July of this year, the Chinese regime rejected arms control and nuclear non-proliferation negotiations with the United States due to U.S. weapon sales to Taiwan.
Jenkins stated on Wednesday that the U.S. has made requests to China, hoping to engage in specific discussions on reducing nuclear risks, but China has yet to respond.
She said, “We have not established a continuous dialogue with them yet. However, they do notify some countries before conducting ballistic missile tests, as they did recently. This is something we have consistently urged them to do, to provide advance notice.”
In October, China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test, marking the first time in 44 years that Beijing tested a long-range missile over the Pacific Ocean instead of in desert regions in the western part of the country.