Head of Australia’s Office of National Intelligence warned that the West must actively disrupt rising ‘networks’ viewed as a potential threat.
In a critical assessment, the head of Australia’s national intelligence office has identified an “emerging axis” of nations, including China, Iran, and North Korea, as supportive of Russia—a situation he describes as “a profoundly troubling strategic development” that is presenting formidable challenges to Western nations.
During a conference held in Canberra on Wednesday, Andrew Shearer, Director-General of Australia’s Office of National Intelligence, expressed concerns that the strategic ramifications of this coalition, particularly with China and Russia taking the lead, have been drastically underestimated by many in the West.
Shearer emphasized the magnitude of China’s assistance to Russia, noting, “The massive provision by China of dual-use assistance to Putin, economic support and diplomatic support is keeping Putin’s army active in Ukraine, leading to the death of innocent Ukrainians—essentially a crime as grave as supplying artillery ammunition and missiles directly.”
He stressed the urgent need for the West to improve its efforts in dismantling these growing networks, citing the alarming provision of Iranian drones to Russia, as well as the transfer of North Korean missiles and even troop reinforcements to bolster Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.
“This is a profoundly troubling strategic development and we are all grappling to catch up with it and put in place effective measures,” Shearer declared, identifying the current geopolitical climate as one of the significant strategic challenges facing the world today.
Australia stands as a pivotal member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand, enhancing collaborative efforts to address emerging threats.
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) democracies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US—as well as three allied nations, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, condemned the recent deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, labeling it a “dangerous expansion of the conflict.”
This dire warning from Shearer arrives concurrently with Russian senators planning to vote on a mutual defense agreement with North Korea, a pact that has already been approved by Russia’s lower house of parliament on October 24, formalizing increasing defense cooperation between the two nations and heightening anxieties among Western powers.
Earlier this year, in a significant move, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un established a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” obligating both nations to provide immediate military support using “all means” if either were to face an attack.
This agreement marks the strongest military ties between Russia and North Korea since the Cold War era, and reports suggest that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to engage alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. However, North Korea has firmly denied these claims.
While Putin has not outright denied the deployment of North Korean troops, several Russian officials have strategically avoided discussing the topic when approached by press inquiries.
In light of these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday that encounters between Ukrainian forces and North Korean soldiers signify “a new chapter of global instability.” This statement follows comments from Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who acknowledged that a “small engagement” had occurred between military personnel from both nations.
I thank everyone around the world who has responded to the arrival of North Korean soldiers in Russia—and especially those who have responded not only with words but are preparing actions in support of our defense here in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, terror can spread like a virus… pic.twitter.com/HypHmfdna8
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 5, 2024
**Interview with Andrew Shearer, Director-General of Australia’s Office of National Intelligence**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Shearer. You recently mentioned a troubling emerging alliance between China, North Korea, and Iran that supports Russia. Can you elaborate on what this coalition means for global security?
**Andrew Shearer:** Thank you for having me. This coalition of nations represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. China’s ongoing support for Russia, especially in providing dual-use assistance, has been crucial in sustaining military operations in Ukraine. This assistance is akin to providing artillery and ammunition, directly contributing to the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian toll.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized that many in the West may be underestimating the ramifications of this alliance. What specific steps do you think the West needs to take in response?
**Andrew Shearer:** The West must act decisively to disrupt these emerging networks. This includes increased intelligence-sharing, enhanced military cooperation, and diplomatic pressure on nations that support Russia. We need to counteract the supply of Iranian drones and North Korean missiles to Russia, as these developments are not isolated; they signify a coordinated effort that threatens regional and global stability.
**Interviewer:** The Five Eyes alliance plays a critical role in intelligence-sharing among member nations. How significant is this cooperation in the face of these emerging threats?
**Andrew Shearer:** The Five Eyes alliance is absolutely vital. It enhances our collective understanding of threats and allows us to coordinate responses more effectively. Given the complexities of the current situation, collaborative intelligence efforts are essential in staying ahead of potential threats posed by this axis of nations.
**Interviewer:** Recently, G7 foreign ministers condemned the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. How does this situation influence Australia’s foreign policy?
**Andrew Shearer:** Australia is deeply concerned about the implications of such moves. The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia not only escalates the conflict but also emboldens those who are undermining international norms. In response, Australia will continue to work with our allies to advocate for a unified stance against such actions and to promote stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** As tensions escalate, what message do you want to send to the Australian public regarding national security?
**Andrew Shearer:** I want the public to know that their safety is our top priority. The situation is evolving, and we are committed to staying vigilant and proactive in addressing these threats. We will continue to strengthen our alliances and ensure that we have robust strategies in place to protect not just Australia, but our shared values and security on the global stage.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Shearer. It’s clear that there are significant challenges ahead.
**Andrew Shearer:** Thank you for having me.
