Campbell: DPRK Could Get Russian Tech To Boost Nuclear ICBM Programme

Reuters carrying comments from US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, stating that the US, "believes there are discussions about what North Korea gets in exchange for weapons supplies to Russia; could be associated with nuclear long-range missile development plans."

• Campbell adds: "China probably worried North Korea will be encouraged to take provocative steps that could lead to a crisis in Northeast Asia."
• Comes after senior US, ROK, and Japan officials issued a statement condemning the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, pledging mutual defence, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, last week.
• The officials said they, "condemn in the strongest possible terms deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including continued arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia."
• The officials warned the treaty, "should be of grave concern to anyone with an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global non-proliferation regime, and supporting the people of Ukraine..."
• Experts have noted that there is substantial overlap between technology used for space launches and for intercontinental ballistic missiles, raising the risk that any Russian support for North Korea's growing satellite programme - which successfully launched a first device last November, likely with Russian support - could be used to accelerate its nuclear ICBM capabilities.