2024-10-31 10:34:00
With the longest test flight of an intercontinental ballistic missile to date, North Korea has further increased tensions with its neighboring countries. According to the Japanese government, the projectile, which was fired near the capital Pyongyang, was in the air for 86 minutes and finally fell into the open sea west of the Japanese island of Hokkaido – after a flight distance of around 1,000 kilometers. It was the first test of a North Korean ICBM since December 2003.
This is another violation of international sanctions by the leadership of leader Kim Jong Un. According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the rocket climbed with a steep trajectory to an altitude of around 7,000 kilometers. Experts believe that with a flatter firing angle, North Korea’s ICBMs could potentially reach the entire mainland United States. The USA is the main protecting power of Japan and South Korea and maintains large military bases in both countries.
Leader Kim described the missile launch as an “appropriate military action,” North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported. The test is a response to provocations by hostile forces in the region and demonstrates “our willingness to counter-react.”
The rocket launch broke all previous records, according to state news agency KCNA, without giving details. “The dangerous steps taken by North Korea’s enemies have underscored the need to strengthen our nuclear strength,” KCNA quoted the North Korean leader as saying on the occasion of the test launch. North Korea will never deviate from its course of expanding its nuclear arsenal.
Kim did not give any details, but Pyongyang sees the US’s military support for South Korea and the regular maneuvers of its armed forces as an affront, as does the South Korean government’s course in the ongoing conflict between the two neighboring states. South Korea’s presidential office announced that it would impose additional sanctions on North Korea following the missile launch. Concrete details from Seoul were not initially announced.
China said it was “concerned” about developments on the Korean peninsula. It has always been emphasized that “maintaining peace and stability” corresponds to the “common interests of all parties,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing. “We hope that all parties will work towards this goal,” he added. China is a long-time ally of North Korea. Pyongyang depends on Beijing’s diplomatic and economic support. At the same time, China and South Korea are important trading partners.
South and North Korea have been divided since the Korean War (1950-53) and are separated by a demilitarized zone. To date, the two neighboring countries have not signed a joint peace treaty.
Launches or even tests of ballistic missiles, which depending on their design can be equipped with a nuclear warhead, are prohibited by UN resolutions in the country, which is largely internationally isolated. North Korea is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile programs, which Kim’s leadership repeatedly ignores.
Just on Wednesday, South Korean military intelligence warned during a meeting with lawmakers that North Korea was about to test-fire a long-range missile and may also have completed preparations for another nuclear bomb test. The last – and sixth – nuclear bomb test to date caused great concern around the world in 2017.
The latest missile exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region. Since May, North Korea has been sending thousands of balloons filled with waste and manure across the border to South Korea, and the neighboring country has resumed broadcasting propaganda to the isolated North via loudspeaker systems. There was also increased military activity in the border area.
Most recently, Pyongyang also significantly expanded its military cooperation with Moscow – and apparently sent thousands of soldiers to Russia, which, according to consistent information from Western governments, will probably be used in the war of aggression against Ukraine. In addition, North Korea has been supporting the Russian army for months with large-scale arms deliveries, including artillery and rocket projectiles.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sent a delegation of senior defense ministry and intelligence officials to Ukraine this week to discuss new cooperation opportunities. This will also involve exchanging information about North Korean soldiers in Russia and exploring joint countermeasures.
The UN resolution prohibits the isolated country from testing ballistic missiles of any range. Tensions on the Korean peninsula have recently escalated again after reports emerged about North Korea possibly sending troops to Russia for operations in Ukraine.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Expert in International Relations and North Korean Policy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. We’ve just seen North Korea conduct its longest test flight of an intercontinental ballistic missile. What do you believe this means for regional stability, particularly for Japan and South Korea?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. The implications are quite significant. This test demonstrates North Korea’s advancing missile technology, especially since it was able to travel approximately 1,000 kilometers and reach a peak altitude of 7,000 kilometers. This not only puts all of East Asia on high alert but also signals to the United States that its mainland could potentially be within range if North Korea chooses a different firing angle.
**Interviewer:** Kim Jong Un labeled the missile launch as an “appropriate military action.” How do you assess this statement in the context of regional tensions?
**Dr. Carter:** Kim’s rhetoric is very much part of his strategy to portray strength amidst perceived threats. By framing the launch as a necessary response to “hostile forces,” he aims to bolster domestic support and legitimize North Korea’s continued militarization. It’s a classic tactic of using external threats to unify the populace and draw attention away from internal issues.
**Interviewer:** The Japanese government has already indicated that it will impose additional sanctions on North Korea. How effective do you think sanctions will be in changing Pyongyang’s behavior?
**Dr. Carter:** Historically, sanctions have had limited success in altering North Korea’s trajectory, especially when it comes to its nuclear ambitions. While they can exert economic pressure, the regime’s priorities seem to remain focused on its military capabilities rather than the well-being of its citizens. Additionally, North Korea often views sanctions as a badge of honor, reinforcing their narrative of resistance against external adversaries.
**Interviewer:** China has expressed concern over these developments. Given its close ties with North Korea, how might Beijing respond to help maintain regional stability?
**Dr. Carter:** China finds itself in a difficult position. While it supports North Korea as a buffer against U.S. influence in the region, it also prioritizes stability as it affects its own economic interests. Expect Beijing to engage in diplomatic dialogues with both Pyongyang and Seoul, urging restraint and possibly resuming discussions about denuclearization. However, they may also be cautious not to push too hard against their ally, which could destabilize the regime.
**Interviewer:** what steps do you think the international community should take moving forward?
**Dr. Carter:** The international community must maintain a cohesive approach to address North Korea’s provocations. This includes reinforcing diplomatic channels, engaging in multilateral discussions, and ensuring that all parties—especially China and Russia—are involved in the dialogue process. Additionally, exploring avenues for reducing military tensions while encouraging North Korea to come back to the negotiating table is vital for long-term stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
