North Korea and Russia Discuss Five-Year Defense Pact, Raising Concerns for China
North Korea and Russia are in discussions to establish a five-year defense cooperation plan, which could significantly accelerate North Korea's military modernization. Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, where they discussed strengthening political and military collaboration. The proposed plan aims to place military cooperation on a sustainable long-term footing, with preparations underway to sign the agreement for the 2027-2031 period. Analysts suggest that this rare cooperation could make China uneasy due to its strategic interests in the region. 
