Russia may organize a joint naval exercise with North Korea & China.

According to information published by Yonhap Agency on September 5, 2023, Sergey Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister, mentioned that there are ongoing discussions about conducting joint military exercises with North Korea.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

North Korea Navy's corvette Amnok. (Picture source: KCNA)

Shoigu mentioned that Russia actively engages in discussions about military exercises with many countries, including North Korea. He highlighted Russia's history of conducting joint strategic bomber patrols and sea missile carrier patrolling with its allies, such as China.

Furthermore, Shoigu emphasized the importance of maintaining harmonious relations with neighboring countries. This sentiment is particularly significant given the deep historical and cultural ties Russia shares with North Korea.

On a related note, the National Intelligence Service informed that during a meeting with the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, it is understood that Minister Shoigu had officially proposed the idea of tripartite joint exercises between North Korea, China, and Russia during his visit to North Korea in July.

Russia-North Korea relations

During the Cold War, North Korea, established with Soviet backing in 1948, became a natural ally of the Eastern bloc. The Soviet Union was instrumental in bolstering North Korea's naval capabilities, providing extensive training, aiding in the development of naval bases, and offering diplomatic support on the global stage.

In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, Russia and North Korea's naval cooperation is driven by mutual strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region. They aim to counterbalance the significant U.S. naval presence, ensuring the security of crucial maritime routes around the Korean Peninsula.