Fact Check: "North Korea calls its alliance with Russia an 'invincible alliance.'"
What We Know
Recently, North Korea's Foreign Minister, Choe Son-hui, referred to the country's mutual defense treaty with Russia as an "invincible alliance." This statement was made during a banquet co-hosted by North Korea's Foreign Ministry and the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang, marking the first anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between North Korea and Russia. According to reports, Choe emphasized that the treaty has elevated the relationship between the two nations to a "most solid, invincible alliance" (Korea JoongAng Daily, Yonhap).
The context of this declaration is significant, as it comes amid increasing military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The treaty has reportedly facilitated North Korea's deployment of troops to support Russia, which further solidifies the alliance (Korea JoongAng Daily).
Analysis
The claim that North Korea refers to its alliance with Russia as an "invincible alliance" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The primary source of this information is the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which is North Korea's state-run news agency. While KCNA is known for its pro-government bias, the consistency of the reports across various outlets, including Yonhap and Korea JoongAng Daily, lends credibility to the claim.
Choe Son-hui's remarks were made in a formal setting attended by key officials from both nations, including the Russian Ambassador to North Korea, which indicates that this terminology is not merely rhetorical but reflects a strategic positioning of the alliance (Korea JoongAng Daily). The use of the term "invincible" suggests a strong commitment to mutual defense and cooperation, which aligns with both countries' interests in countering Western influence and military presence in their respective regions.
However, it is essential to consider the potential bias of the sources. KCNA, being a state-run agency, may exaggerate the strength of the alliance for domestic and international propaganda purposes. Nevertheless, the corroboration from independent news agencies like Yonhap and Korea JoongAng Daily helps validate the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that "North Korea calls its alliance with Russia an 'invincible alliance'" is True. This assertion is supported by statements from North Korean officials and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. The context of these statements indicates a significant level of military and political cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Sources
- North Korea, Russia hail 'invincible' alliance on anniversary of strategic partnership treaty
- N. Korea's FM hails defense treaty with Russia as 'invincible alliance'
- North's Foreign Ministry hails defense treaty with Russia as 'invincible alliance'
- North Korea's Kim visits Russian embassy as his generals meet Putin
