The interest in the production and export of drones from both South and North Korea in the wake of the Russia–Ukraine war may increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula, going forward.
The South Korean support to the designation of the Sado mine as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024 is reflective of the recent conciliatory approach of South Korea towards Japan with regards to the colonial history.
The signing of a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ agreement between Russia and North Korea for mutual defence assistance has raised serious concerns in South Korea.
With increasing North Korean nuclear and missile threats, and Chinese nuclear force modernisation, the prospects of indigenous nuclear weapons acquisition by Japan and South Korea cannot be ruled out.
The Washington Declaration reflects yet another effort by the US and South Korea to present a united front against North Korean nuclear and missile sabre rattling.