Australian and UK Officials Criticize CCP and North Korea’s Backing of Russia
Ministers from the UK and Australia emphasized the crucial role of their partnership in addressing global threats, particularly those posed by Russia, North Korea, and regional tensions.
During the annual AUKMIN meeting at Lancaster House in London, defence and foreign ministers from both countries pledged to strengthen their ties while condemning Beijing and Pyongyang’s involvement in the Ukraine War.
They issued a joint statement expressing strong condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, labeling it a blatant violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Australia committed to extending its participation in Operation Interflex, a UK-led initiative that has already trained over 50,000 Ukrainian recruits.
In addition to military aid, the ministers also criticized countries supporting Russia in its illegal war against Ukraine, highlighting their deep concerns about third-party involvement.
The AUKMIN meeting in 2024 brought together UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Defence Secretary John Healey, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, who all urged Beijing to cease support for Russia’s military-industrial complex.
They called upon the Chinese Communist Party to use its influence with Moscow to facilitate the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
The leaders also condemned North Korea’s missile programs and its supply of arms, including artillery shells, to Russia, such as the KN-23 solid fuel ballistic missile.
Reports have indicated that North Korea has dispatched elite special forces to Ukraine, highlighting the regime’s financial incentives for its soldiers, with Russia reportedly paying North Korea for their services.
These developments underscore the interconnectedness of global conflicts and the need for collaborative efforts to address them.
