Attempted Launch of a Spy Satellite by North Korea Fails
Japan has released an alert for the southern island of Okinawa because of a potential projectile.
North Korea had earlier announced their plans to launch a satellite, following this announcement, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cautioned Pyongyang against using "ballistic missile technology" during the launch. Yoon hosted leaders from both Japan and China in Seoul, making it the first time since 2019 for a meeting between these nations.
Beijing, being the most significant ally of Pyongyang, didn't make any comments regarding the North Korean satellite launch. Past instances show that China had prevented stricter UN sanctions against North Korea's nuclear weapons development efforts.
China, Japan, and South Korea all consider the denuclearization of North Korea and maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula as a shared interest. There are numerous UN resolutions in place that aim to restrict North Korea from testing ballistic technologies. Experts suggest that technological capabilities for space launch can also be employed for the development of ballistic missiles.
North Korea, as their own announcements indicate, has sent their first reconnaissance satellite into orbit in November and attempted two more launches since. The failed launch on Monday marked the third failure. Experts believe that these spy satellites would boost North Korea's intelligence capabilities, specifically in relation to South Korea, and provide vital data in case of a potential military conflict.
The relationship between North and South Korea is currently at a low point. Following Kim Jong Un's announcement for the expansion of weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons, South Korea and the United States stepped up their defense cooperation.
South Korean officials allege that Russia provided technical support to North Korea during the November satellite launch. Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean news outlet, reported that Russian engineers had also aided in the failed launch attempt. Reports suggest that Moscow received North Korean weapons in exchanged for its support in the Ukraine conflict.
Read also:
- This will change in December
- Dikes withstand water masses so far - Scholz holds out the prospect of help
- Fireworks and parties ring in 2024 - turn of the year overshadowed by conflicts
- Attacks on ships in the Red Sea: shipping companies avoid important trade route
Source: www.stern.de
