North Korea’s announcement of its plans to launch another “satellite” has raised concerns among its neighbors and the international community. The news was shared with the government of Japan, prompting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to issue a statement emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and security of the Japanese people.
The concern stems from the fact that a launcher capable of reaching orbit could potentially be repurposed as a long-range missile. This has led Japan and other countries to take precautionary measures, including issuing maritime warnings, to prepare for any potential falling debris that could endanger shipping in the nearby waters.
North Korea’s previous attempt at a satellite launch, back in May 2023, ended in failure when the debris fell into the Yellow Sea. Subsequent examination of the wreckage revealed that the satellite had no military utility as a reconnaissance tool, despite North Korea’s claims.
The fear surrounding North Korea’s missile and satellite launches is not only due to safety concerns but also because of the potential dual use capabilities. North Korea possess nuclear weapons and has long sought long-range missile capabilities as a means to intimidate other nations and potentially ease the sanctions imposed on it due to its human rights abuses and belligerent behavior.
Additionally, North Korea’s offensive cyber operations, which include stealing rocket plans from other countries, such as Russia, and using stolen cryptocurrency to fund its weapons programs, further adds to the global concerns surrounding the nation.
As North Korea’s only formal ally, China’s support makes it difficult for the rest of the world to take stronger actions against the regime. Therefore, countries like Japan and the United States rely on protests and precautionary measures to address these ongoing issues.
Sources:
– Japanese Prime Minister’s Office Statement
– South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency
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