Recent spate of missile launches by North Korea and talk of possible satellite launches have heightened tensions in the region, with South Korea and Japan expressing grave concern over these outbreaks.
On Monday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea launched suspected short-range ballistic missiles into the sea from its capital region. The missiles flew about 300 kilometers and fell into the waters between the Korean Triangle and Japan. This distance means that South Korean sites could have been targeted, leading the Joint Chiefs of Staff to react to the missiles, which they described as a clear provocation that threatens peace in the region. They said they look forward to responding to such provocations, jointly with the US military planning.
Japan also responded swiftly, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordering officials to collect information and ensure the safety of aircraft and ships. Japan’s Coast Guard warned ships to be vigilant and ordered them to notify authorities if they observed any suspicious activity.
Amid these missile launches, North Korea has maintained its strategic military capabilities, showing its intent to strengthen its strategic military capabilities while diplomatic efforts between the US and South Korea remain stalled. Observers say North Korea’s improved weapons collection could be amenable to securing more deals if talks resume.
Recent tests include an “extra-large” cruise missile warhead and a new anti-air missile, as well as a Sol-d-intermediate range missile with hypersonic warhead capability. These developments show North Korea’s intention to target remote sites, including the US Pacific Territory of Guam.
Although North Korea has already tested nuclear-capable missiles with range to South Korea, Japan, and the mainland US, it has not yet succeeded in developing a fully functional intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach the mainland US.
To respond to North Korea’s growing nuclear threats, the US and South Korea have stepped up their bilateral military exercises and trilateral exercises with Japan. This cooperative initiative aims to strengthen determination and preparedness against any potential North Korean provocation.
To address the tensions, South Korea’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kim Myung-soo, recently met with US Space Command Commander Stephen Ngan to discuss how to respond to North Korean threats. This symbolizes a coordinated effort to coordinate techniques and strengthen security measures in the face of North Korean provocations.
It is speculated that North Korea may launch its second spy satellite on April 15, the birthday of its founder Kim Il Sung, or on April 25, the anniversary of the formation of the North’s military’s predecessor. Though South Korea’s military has shown signs of anticipatory preparations for the satellite launch, there are no signs of resignation yet.
It is significant that the United Nations Security Council has forbidden North Korea from launching ballistic missiles and satellites, as the world body considers a satellite launch a test of its banned ballistic missile technology.
In short, North Korea’s recent missile launches, as well as the talk of a possible satellite launch, have increased tensions in the region. South Korea and Japan are not ignoring the situation and are certainly prepared for any further outbreak, while also exploring diplomatic avenues to address the root causes.