A new mutual-defense pact has been signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, committing each country to come to the other's aid if attacked. The specifics of when this assistance would be provided remain unclear, possibly intentionally so to deter potential aggressors. The pact states that assistance will be given in the event of aggression against either party, with obligations to deploy all available means for military and other assistance.
Experts note that this agreement mirrors a previous pact between the Soviet Union and North Korea from 1961, which was never activated. Mutual defense pacts are common but rarely invoked, serving more as a deterrent against aggression. The global community has expressed concerns over this new pact between two nuclear-armed and unpredictable leaders.
Similar treaty obligations exist between the United States and other Asian nations, as well as through NATO's Article 5 provision, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all. Russia also has mutual defense agreements with post-Soviet states through the Collective Security Treaty Organization alliance.
China and North Korea have a mutual defense agreement dating back to 1961, where both countries pledged immediate military and other assistance in case of an attack. Despite incidents of violence between North and South Korea, this pact has never been invoked.
The United States has collective defense agreements with several Asia-Pacific countries, including the Philippines. Recent tensions in the South China Sea have brought focus to the 1951 treaty with the Philippines, with concerns rising over potential conflicts with China. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines in case of armed attacks.
Regarding Taiwan, the U.S. follows a 'One China' policy but maintains informal relations and defense ties with the island. While the U.S. has not formalized a mutual defense pact with Taiwan, President Joe Biden has stated that military response would be likely if China invaded Taiwan. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of dialogue in preventing war with China.
