Letters | A more adventurous North Korean military should worry Asia

Readers discuss Pyongyang’s involvement in the Ukraine war, improving Hong Kong’s abilities as event host and the benefits of a cross-border digital health data system

Reading Time:3 minutes

Rows of mock 30mm shells are seen at Hanwha Aerospace factory in Changwon, South Korea, on November 21. Long-standing domestic policy bars Seoul from sending its weapons into active conflict zones, but North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war may prompt it to change course. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:30am, 26 Nov 2024

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is raising alarm about the potential impact on not just the immediate conflict but also the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly in northeast Asia (“Will Japan arm Ukraine as North Korea reinforces Russia?”, November 24).

Historically, North Korea has demonstrated a willingness to engage in military alliances that serve its strategic interests. During the Chinese civil war from 1946 to 1949, Korean communists who fought alongside the Chinese communist forces gained valuable combat experience and established military ties that would influence the Korean war. The current situation in Ukraine presents a similar opportunity for North Korea to enhance its military capabilities and legitimacy on the world stage.

Should North Korea send more troops to Ukraine, it is likely to gain not only tactical experience but also access to advanced military resources and technology from Russia. This could significantly bolster its military readiness for any future conflict, particularly regarding its long-standing rivalry with South Korea. Such a scenario echoes the lessons learned during the Chinese civil war, where Korean communist forces refined their tactics and operational strategies, setting the stage for their subsequent invasion of the south in 1950.

Thus the implications of a North Korean military presence in Ukraine extend far beyond the battlefield. It represents a potential shift in the balance of power in East Asia as North Korea could emerge from the conflict with enhanced capabilities and renewed confidence. This escalation poses a direct threat to South Korea and its allies as they may face a more formidable adversary emboldened by its experiences in Ukraine.

The international community must remain vigilant to the strategic calculations of North Korea. The spectre of a more robust North Korean military, equipped with lessons from Ukraine, should serve as a crucial warning for policymakers in Seoul and Washington. To mitigate the risks of a renewed conflict on the Korean peninsula, they should stop their provocation and resume dialogue with North Korea.