US and allies in war of words with Russian-North Korean alliance

Tension has heightened following an announcement of military cooperation during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last week.

The United States and its regional allies in Asia Pacific have strongly condemned the newly announced military alliance between Russia and North Korea.

The US, South Korea and Japan released a statement on Monday expressing “grave concern” over the defence pact signed last week during a well-publicised state visit to North Korea by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A Pyongyang official, meanwhile, slammed the US for sending arms to Ukraine. Amid Moscow’s continuing war against its neighbour, the deal commits Russia and North Korea to provide aid in case the other is attacked.