Comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Russia and the DPRK: reaction of the Republic of Korea and assessments of South Korean experts

The article examines the reaction of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to the conclusion of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and the DPRK. Seoul expressed “grave concern’’ and condemned the signing of the agreement. The strengthening of Russia - DPRK relations is viewed by both the ROK government and South Korean researchers as something undesirable that pose a threat to the ROK and has to be ended. Seoul has taken critical stance on the treaty between Russia and the DPRK. In particular, the ROK has increased the level of unfriendly rhetoric towards Russia, condemned and called for an end to the allegedly illegal military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK at various international venues, and expanded its export restrictions targeting Russia. The South Korean concerns and calculations outlined in this article reflect the ROK's focus on implementing a long-term plan to unify the Korean Peninsula through the absorption of the North by the South. The ROK views the strengthening of Russia's relations with the DPRK and the development of Russia’s relations with the ROK as mutually exclusive. At the same time, the signing of the treaty between Russia and the DPRK on comprehensive strategic partnership demonstrates a deep understanding by the parties of common interests and threats, as well as a common vision of building a future multipolar world order in which each state has the right to independent development. The Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that the partnership between the two countries is not directed against third countries, and, therefore, does not threaten the security of the ROK. Moscow does not intend to choose between Pyongyang and Seoul; it considers it necessary to build mutually beneficial relations with both the DPRK and the ROK, if the latter abandons its hostile position towards Russia.