Fact Check: "North Korea-Russia alliance hailed as 'invincible' by Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui"
What We Know
North Korea's Foreign Minister, Choe Son-hui, recently stated that the military relationship between North Korea and Russia has reached a level of "invincible military comradeship." This declaration was made during her visit to Moscow, where she expressed North Korea's commitment to support Russia until it achieves victory in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine (Reuters, Al Jazeera). Choe emphasized the historical ties between the two nations and praised the leadership of both Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin for strengthening their alliance (Reuters).
The context of Choe's statements comes amid reports that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia to assist in the war against Ukraine, with estimates suggesting that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia (AP News). The Pentagon has also confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops, indicating that they may soon engage in combat (AP News).
Analysis
Choe Son-hui's assertion of an "invincible military comradeship" reflects a significant shift in military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The term "invincible" suggests a deepening of ties that could have strategic implications for both nations. The reliability of this claim is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news agencies like Reuters and Al Jazeera, which have reported on the strengthening military collaboration and troop deployments (Reuters, Al Jazeera).
However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of the sources reporting on this issue. North Korean state media often presents a highly favorable view of its leadership and alliances, which may not fully reflect the complexities of international relations. Conversely, Western media outlets may emphasize the threat posed by this alliance, potentially framing it in a more alarmist context (AP News).
The statements made by Choe and the subsequent reactions from Western leaders indicate a growing concern about the implications of this alliance for regional and global security. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has described the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia as a "major security threat" (AP News). This highlights the broader geopolitical ramifications of the North Korea-Russia relationship, particularly regarding military technology and nuclear capabilities.
Conclusion
The claim that North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui hailed the alliance with Russia as "invincible" is True. This assertion is substantiated by credible reports from multiple news sources, which detail Choe's statements and the context of military cooperation between the two nations. The implications of this alliance are significant, as they suggest a strategic partnership that could alter the balance of power in the region and beyond.
Sources
- North Korea will back Russia until victory in Ukraine, ...
- Putin hosts North Korean foreign minister on Russia's 'unity ...
- North Korea sends foreign minister to Russia as its troops train to ...
- North Korea pledges to stand by Russia until 'victory' in Ukraine
- North's Foreign Ministry hails defense treaty with Russia as ...
