According to South Korea, the neighboring country has never before carried out such a long-term test of a long-range ballistic missile. After it was launched on Thursday morning, it reportedly took 87 minutes for it to land in the sea outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, 20 miles from Okushiri Island.
According to Japan, it reached an altitude of 7,000 kilometers after being launched at a sharp angle. It must have traveled a distance of 1,000 kilometers before falling down.
Both Japan and South Korea believe it could be a completely new type of rocket that runs on solid fuel.
The rockets have been developed to be equipped with nuclear weapons and to be able to reach the American mainland. According to the North Korean authorities, the missile will strengthen North Korea’s nuclear deterrent capability.
A few hours later, South Korea announced new sanctions against the neighboring country. They apply to materials needed to produce solid-fuel rockets, and they are to prevent North Korea’s development of long-range ballistic missiles, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul.
Chinese concern
China expressed concern on Thursday about developments on the Korean Peninsula and insisted that a political solution is needed that takes into account “the common interests of all parties”.
China has traditionally been one of North Korea’s few allies. In addition, China has extensive trade with South Korea.
After Russia went to war against Ukraine, however, Russia has distinguished itself as North Korea’s closest partner. The cooperation has strengthened Russia’s access to weapons and now apparently also to personnel in the war against Ukraine. In return, according to analysts, North Korea may be getting help from Russia to develop better intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Japan and South Korea condemn
Japan strongly condemns the launch and calls it a threat not only to Japan, but also to the world community. The US and South Korea also condemn the launch.
The launch took place a few hours after the US and South Korea demanded that North Korea must bring home the forces that will be sent to Russia. According to the US, it is about 10,000 soldiers who may be deployed in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The day before, South Korea’s military intelligence told the elected officials in Seoul that North Korea has probably completed preparations for the country’s seventh nuclear test, and that the country is approaching the test launch of a long-range missile that can reach the United States.
Violates UN resolutions
North Korea has previously carried out a number of test launches with intercontinental ballistic missiles, and then at a sharp angle so that they could fall down after a shorter distance than they would if they were launched in a lower orbit. This must have been for reasons of safety and possible political consequences if a rocket was sent far across the Pacific Ocean.
North Korea’s previous intercontinental missile test took place in December last year. It too was launched at a sharp angle. The flight time was then converted to correspond to a distance of 15,000 kilometers if the rocket had been launched at a normal angle. That’s a distance that could have made any place on the American mainland the target.
North Korea is subject to UN sanctions, and the UN Security Council has, in several resolutions, demanded a complete halt to the country’s nuclear and missile programmes, which the regime has not cared about. Russia, as one of the Security Council’s permanent members, has also taken part in voting for the resolutions.
North Korea confirms missile test
North Korea confirmed on Thursday that it had test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile. It broke records from previous tests, according to the country’s state news agency KCNA.
The country’s leader Kim Jong-un says, according to KCNA, that his country will never change its policy of strengthening its nuclear weapons stockpile.
During a visit to the missile launch base, he said that “the dangerous maneuver of our enemies” underscores the need to strengthen the nuclear weapons deployment.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Zhang, Expert in East Asian Political Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Zhang. We have some pressing developments regarding North Korea’s recent ballistic missile test. Can you provide an overview of the significance of the Hwasong-19?
**Dr. Zhang:** Certainly. The launch of the Hwasong-19 represents a notable escalation in North Korea’s missile technology capabilities. It’s reported that this test took a record amount of time—87 minutes—before the missile landed in the sea, suggesting a new level of sophistication, particularly if it is indeed a new type of solid-fuel rocket.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned solid-fuel technology. Why is this important in the context of North Korea’s military ambitions?
**Dr. Zhang:** Solid-fuel missiles can be launched more quickly and are generally more mobile, making them harder to detect and intercept. This development would enable North Korea to enhance its nuclear strike capabilities, potentially reaching the U.S. mainland, which escalates concerns for national security in both South Korea and Japan.
**Interviewer:** In response to this test, South Korea has implemented new sanctions. Can you elaborate on their focus and purpose?
**Dr. Zhang:** Yes, the sanctions target materials necessary for the production of solid-fuel rockets. The goal is to hinder North Korea’s ability to advance its long-range missile programs significantly. Seoul aims to mitigate threats posed by these developments to maintain regional stability.
**Interviewer:** China has expressed concern over these developments. How does their position impact the situation on the Korean Peninsula?
**Dr. Zhang:** China, as a traditional ally of North Korea, is advocating for a political resolution that considers the interests of all parties involved. However, the dynamics have changed, especially with Russia’s increasing support for North Korea, which complicates China’s role as a mediator in this crisis.
**Interviewer:** Japan has condemned the launch, labeling it a threat to global security. How does the international community respond to these developments?
**Dr. Zhang:** Japan’s condemnation reflects a broader international concern, especially among U.S. allies in the region. The U.S. and South Korea’s response to demand the withdrawal of North Korean forces potentially dispatched to Russia illustrates the interconnectedness of these geopolitical tensions. The stakes are very high, and coordinated international efforts will be crucial in addressing North Korea’s provocations.
**Interviewer:** Given the recent militaristic developments and tensions, what do you foresee in the coming weeks or months regarding North Korea’s future actions?
**Dr. Zhang:** It’s likely we will see further missile tests or even preparations for a nuclear test as North Korea seeks to solidify its deterrent capability in light of international pressures. The need for diplomatic engagement is urgent, but the situation remains volatile, and aggressive posturing from North Korea could provoke a stronger military response from the U.S. and its allies.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Zhang, for your insights. It’s clear that monitoring these developments will be crucial as the situation evolves.
**Dr. Zhang:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment for regional security, and we must stay informed.
