Armies of Stakeholders in the Korean Peninsula Conflict

North Korea keeps on testing rockets and bombs and the United States and South Korea keep on conducting military exercises. From Monday to Thursday, a huge joint air force drill called "Vigilant Ace 18" is being conducted by the U.S and South Korean forces. Some 12,000 personnel from the U.S. and 230 air craft in total are taking part in the exercise over the Korean peninsula.

Our infographic gives a hint at the overall military might of the stakeholders in the conflict over the Koreas. While the United States, South Korea and Japan are firmly opposed to North Korea, long-time support from China for the regime in Pyongyang has recently receded. The Russians share a short border with North Korea and have a somewhat ambiguous relationship with the secluded country.