President Biden expressed concern on Friday regarding what he termed “dangerous and destabilizing cooperation” between North Korea and Russia during a meeting with the leaders of South Korea and Japan at a global summit of Asia Pacific leaders in Peru.
In a joint statement, Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol “strongly condemn” the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, specifically noting North Korea's decision to send thousands of troops to assist President Vladimir V. Putin in the war against Ukraine.
The leaders criticized the deepening military ties, including munitions and ballistic missile transfers, highlighting Russia’s position as a Permanent Member of the U.N. Security Council. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.
A senior American official, who requested anonymity, indicated that the topic of Russia-North Korea cooperation was the primary focus of the 40-minute closed-door discussion among the three leaders.
In recent weeks, Biden and his aides have expressed significant concern over actions by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including troop deployments to Russia and new long-range ballistic missile tests. Biden emphasized the need for close coordination with regional allies to address these developments.
During the summit, Biden expressed confidence in the new security and economic cooperation established at a previous summit at Camp David, stating, “I am proud to have helped be one of the parts of building this partnership.” He did not address the potential impact of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House but noted that this meeting would be his last with this group.
Biden remarked, “I think it’s built to last. That’s my hope and expectation.” Although aides confirmed that Trump's name did not come up during the discussions, the administration is focused on current issues rather than speculating on future changes under a potential Trump administration.
As Biden concluded his trip to Peru, which marks his final significant international engagement before his term ends in January, he is set to visit the Amazon rainforest before attending a second summit of the Group of 20 nations in Rio de Janeiro.
Neither Biden nor his national security officials have commented on which aspects of his foreign policy might be reversed by Trump, who has adopted an “America First” philosophy and criticized Biden's global approach. Biden referred to the current moment as one of “significant political change.”
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that officials from all three nations are committed to establishing enduring cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including the creation of a “secretariat” to solidify security and economic arrangements. Sullivan anticipates bipartisan support for this initiative, suggesting it would likely continue under any future administration.
Biden organized last year’s Camp David summit in response to escalating North Korean aggression in the Asia Pacific. Since then, North Korea has reportedly deepened its ties with Russia, with U.S. officials believing that Kim has been supplying small arms and ammunition for the war in Ukraine.
Recent reports indicate that thousands of North Korean troops have joined Russian forces in an offensive in western Russia, aimed at reclaiming territory lost to Ukraine in the Kursk region. This development is seen as potentially advantageous for Putin, allowing him to maintain his military focus in eastern Ukraine.
Officials are also concerned that Russia may assist North Korea in enhancing its nuclear capabilities and missile technology. Sullivan noted the ongoing risk of a seventh nuclear test by North Korea and emphasized vigilance, especially during the transition period between presidential administrations.