Tokyo, 12 July, 2023 (GNP): In a recent development, North Korea has carried out the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that flew for over 70 minutes, according to Japan’s Defense Ministry. The test, which occurred earlier today, signifies a potential escalation of confrontation between North Korea and the United States, as well as its allies.
[Emergency alert]
North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) July 12, 2023
The flight duration of 74 minutes demonstrates a slight improvement compared to North Korea’s previous ICBM tests conducted in March and April this year, both of which were capable of reaching the continental United States. This launch, which landed in waters near Japan, follows North Korea’s recent threat to shoot down US military reconnaissance aircraft engaged in activities it deemed “hostile espionage.”
The timing of this missile launch and the accompanying provocative rhetoric aligns with a period of heightened tensions on the Peninsula. Notably, it coincides with the NATO summit in Lithuania, where leaders from South Korea, Japan, and the United States are convening to address security concerns, including the threat posed by North Korea.
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The missile, launched at 9:59 a.m. local time, fell into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) at 11:15 a.m., as reported by Japan’s Coast Guard and confirmed by the Ministry of Defense. Experts suggest that North Korea likely tested its developmental, road-mobile Hwasong-18 ICBM, a solid-fuel weapon that is harder to detect and intercept compared to its liquid-fuel counterparts. However, there is no evidence indicating the missile’s ability to successfully deliver a nuclear payload, despite North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s previous claims.
In response to the missile launch, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held an emergency National Security Council meeting in Lithuania on Wednesday, Yoon’s press office said in a statement. President Yoon has expressed his intent to call for “strong international solidarity” at the NATO summit in response to North Korea’s launch, according to his office.
In a communique issued during the NATO meeting on Tuesday, participating nations urged North Korea to abandon its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, both of which violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. The communique further emphasized the importance of dialogue and called upon North Korea to engage in discussions offered by concerned parties, including Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea.
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However, North Korea has thus far shown no willingness to engage in negotiations with Washington or Seoul. Recent statements from senior North Korean official Kim Yo Jong accused a US spy plane of repeatedly intruding into North Korea’s exclusive economic zone, raising tensions further. The United States and South Korea have refuted these allegations, urging North Korea to refrain from creating tension through baseless claims.
As tensions persist, it is noteworthy that North Korea’s ICBM test precedes the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, which brought about a ceasefire in the Korean War. Additionally, it follows the failed launch of North Korea’s first spy satellite in May.