North Korea‘s government announced that it had successfully tested strategic cruise missiles. The action, the statement said, was meant to “inform” the enemy of North Korea’s “improved nuclear counterattack capability.” This demonstration comes amid increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The Missile Launch: Its Significance
The frequent missile launches and nuclear threats of North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has contributed to the deterioration of South Korea-North Korea relations. The latest demonstration has heightened concerns over regional stability.
The relationship between North Korea, and also the United States have seen a downward trend. The current development comes despite previous diplomatic engagements by former President Donald Trump. These included three meetings between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump during his first tenure.
North Korean Military Action: The Key Facts
The North Korean Defense Ministry released a statement after the U.S. conducted a test of an intercontinental missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons. It accused the Trump Administration of “provocations threatening security in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” It asserted “nuclear disarmament” is “a justified and inevitable option”, pointing out perceived threats to the country’s sovereignty.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, on Friday local time the “strategic launch of cruise missiles” was conducted in the Yellow Sea. The KCNA called the Yellow Sea the “West Sea of Korea.” KCNA news releaseThe drill is further described.
According to the KCNA the aim of the launch is to inform “enemies, who are serious violating the Security Environment of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and fostering an escalation of confrontation, of KPA’s Counterattack Capability in Any Space.”
In the release, the emphasis was on the North Korea’s readiness to demonstrate “various nuke operations means” and “reliability of state nuclear deterrence.” This was to be done in order for the strategic cruise missile units to become adept at executing their “sudden firing mission.”
The Associated Press reported that South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff had confirmed they were ready to “repel potential provocations by North Korea based off the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance”, shortly after the announcement.
The Reactions of People to Situations
According to KCNA’s report, Kim Jong Un was “satisfied with the outcome of the launching exercise.” The DPRK is exercising its war deterrence by continuously testing the operation and reliability of components in their nuclear deterrence.
Kim Jong Un also added: “What’s guaranteed by powerful hitting ability is perfect deterrence, and defense capability.”
In a speech at the Joint Chiefs of Staff control center in Seoul, acting South Korean President Choi Sang Mok said that, “the military needs to maintain a posture of readiness to be able to react immediately to North Korea’s provocations, while also establishing a command structure which is unwavering.”
Future Developments to Look Out For
North Korea continues to maintain a large military presence in South Korea despite its support for Russia during the Ukraine War. It also poses a potential nuclear threat to America. Recent cruise missile tests serve as a constant reminder that these threats are still present.
Kim Jong Un’s advanced nuclear program was not the subject of any significant concessions during previous meetings between President Trump and Kim Jong Un. According to the AP, Kim Jong Un also hasn’t responded to Trump’s recent requests for more discussions.
The Associated Press provided information that was used in this article.