'Renewed Russia-North Korea military cooperation poses threat to global security'

Several analysts have raised concerns that the renewed military cooperation between North Korea and Russia in 2023 could increase threats to global security in the coming years, Voice of America (VOA) reported.

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As Russia's war in Ukraine approaches its second anniversary, Moscow has turned to North Korea for help in replenishing its depleted stockpile of arms. In exchange, Russia has suggested that it will help develop weapons that Pyongyang wants, including a spy satellite.

On November 28, North Korea claimed that a satellite it launched into orbit took photos of critical US sites, including the Norfolk Naval Station, the Newport News shipyard, the White House and the Pentagon.

On the other hand, the South Korean intelligence agency believes Pyongyang was able to launch the satellite only because of technological assistance from Russia, VOA reported, citing South Korean lawmakers who were briefed by the agency in late November. Previous launch attempts failed in May and August.

Indo-Pacific countries, including Taiwan and Australia, as well as European countries such as the UK, France and Ukraine, described the satellite launch as a threat to their national security.