Seoul, Washington, Tokyo’s joint aerial exercise amid strengthening ties between Russia and N. Korea

한미일 첫 연합공중훈련 김정은은 러 외무 만나 “미래지향적 북러관계 백년대계“ South Korea, the U.S., and Japan recently staged what was an unprecedented aerial exercise with Washington’s nuclear-capable heavy bomber escorted by aircraft from the three countries. This came amid escalating missile and nuclear threats from North Korea which is strengthening ties ever more with Russia. Eyes are on when Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang will be as Moscow’s foreign minister made a recent visit to the regime. How are the tensions developing on the Peninsula? For more on this, we have invited Doctor Go Myong-hyun, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Welcome, Doctor Go. We also have Doctor Mark Barry, Associate Editor Emeritus of the International Journal on World Peace. Good to see you, Doctor Barry. (BARRY) Q1. South Korea, the U.S., and Japan took part in a joint aerial exercise for the first time near the Korean peninsula on Sunday. What was this about, and what significance did it have? (GO) Q2. As far as I know, the exercise involved jet fighters from the three countries escorting a key U.S. strategic asset, the B-52 bomber. What is unique about the B-52? (GO) Q3. Depending on the extent of North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, officials said security cooperation could be strengthened even more based on what the three countries agreed on during their summit in Camp David in August. In what ways could it be strengthened? (BARRY) Q4. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Pyongyang last week, and during his reception speech, he said Russia supports North Korean policies to defend its national interests. Experts say this is quite significant as it could be considered as Russia acknowledging Pyongyang’s possession of nuclear weapons and its policy to strengthen its capabilities. How do you see this? (GO) Q5. Though details have not been revealed, Lavrov spoke with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for around an hour where Kim reportedly expressed Pyongyang’s “steadfast stand“ to establish a “stable, forward-looking, far-reaching plan“ for the bilateral ties. What do these words hint at? (BARRY) Q6. Many say Lavrov’s visit was to arrange a possible trip to Pyongyang by Putin. When do you believe such a visit might take place, and what would it mean if it does happen? (BARRY) Q7. We have already seen reports saying there has been a transfer of arms between Moscow and Pyongyang. Following the elevated bilateral ties, what further cooperation do you expect to see between the two? (GO) Q8. We cannot leave out China it seems China is distancing itself somewhat from what is happening between Russia and North Korea. What could China’s view on this matter be? (GO) Q9. In order to prevent China’s active involvement in cooperation between Russia and North Korea, some watchers are underlining the importance of South Korea managing its relationship with China. What’s your view on this? (BARRY) Q10. Before we wrap up, I would like to briefly ask about the impact the geopolitical tension in the Middle East region could have on the Korean peninsula. Israel is saying it will begin a ground invasion, which could result in more countries, including the U.S. becoming directly involved. How would that affect South Korea’s defense posture against North Korea? (BARRY) Q11. One more, according to some reports discussions have begun involving some countries including Saudi Arabia rebuilding the Gaza Strip after the situation stabilizes in the region. Given the ties between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, is there any possibility Seoul could be asked to play a role? Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today’s edition. Thank you Doctor Go and Doctor Barry for your time and insights. We appreciate it. #Joint_aerial_exercise #Strategic_bomber #Airforce #Security #Russia #NorthKorea #공군 #폭격기 #한미일_연합_공중_훈련 #러시아 #북한 #안보 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook : 📣 Twitter : 📣 Homepage : 2023-10-25, 18:30 (KST)