The U.S. and South Korea warned North Korea as UNC concluded
“We are deeply concerned that the PRC and Russia are helping the DPRK expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the U.N. Security council,” said Austin, the U.S. defense secretary.
His remarks came after the United Nations Command (UNC) meeting in Seoul, where officials from 17 member countries participated. UNC is the body that oversees the armistice signed in 1950 to enforce peace and bring stability to the region. It was formed during the Korean War in 1950-1953. Its head office is in South Korea, which the USA heads. PRC stands for the democratic republic of China, and DPRK is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The U.S. Secretary criticized both China and Russia for backing North Korea in expanding its Military and Nuclear capabilities. To emphasize more, he said, that these actions are clear violations of the United Nations sanctions.
Later, addressing the media, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik warned North Korea that any activity to provoke escalation with South Korea would have severe implications.
“will also receive grave punishment”
“If the countries that backed North Korea during the Korean War ever try to help again, then those countries will also receive grave punishment from the international community along with North Korea.”, he said while warning those who stand by North Korea.
In the face of these allegations, Moscow and Beijing have denied these claims. Russia denied any deal with North Korea, while China said it is working as per international obligations.
“All such statements are absolutely unfounded, they are not substantiated by anything, and each new similar statement only further devalues all others in this regard.” Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov said.
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UNC condemned North Korea’s “unlawful” nuclear and ballistic missile programs in the joint statement. The UNC “will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean peninsula,” the joint declaration said.