In what may be seen as another provocative move, North Korea has announced plans to launch a satellite in the coming days. Japan and South Korea have condemned North Korea, accusing it of attempting to disguise it as a missile test. There are also concerns that North Korea may be developing technology that could be used to launch nuclear-armed missiles.
North Korea’s satellite launch plans follow a record number of projectile tests last year and a series of missile launches this year. The potential launch has raised fears that North Korea may be developing technology for long-range missile tests. The satellite, however, has been dismissed as “rudimentary” and is believed to have limited reconnaissance capabilities.
North Korea has informed the International Maritime Organisation that its satellite is designed to monitor environmental patterns and natural disasters. The launch site is located close to the Chinese border. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, called for a United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the planned launch, which he stated was a “threat to the peace and safety of Japan, the region and the international community”.
South Korea launched its first commercial-grade satellite last week, which has the technology and expertise to enable the country to put its first military spy satellite into orbit later this year. In response, North Korea’s satellite launch is seen as a potential move to keep up with South Korea’s technological advances.
Japan has already deployed missile defence systems on its south-western coast and in the East China Sea to protect itself from potential attacks. Japan’s Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada has instructed Japan’s Self-Defense Force to obtain the ability to engage in antisatellite operations, while the Japan Coast Guard has issued a warning for ships in the area due to the possible risks from falling debris.
Relations between North Korea, South Korea, and Japan have remained tense for many years. The potential satellite launch may lead to further condemnation and even sanctions. North Korea has previously conducted over 100 missile tests, with around half being nuclear-capable, which critics argue is a thinly-veiled attempt to gain concessions through a weapons programme.
In conclusion, the planned satellite launch by North Korea has raised concerns for South Korea and Japan regarding its potential to be a disguised missile test. North Korea’s previous missile tests had been seen as disguised as Earth observation satellites. The potential nuclear-armed missile launch from North Korea could pose a risk to the international community. Countries have already taken measures to defend themselves from potential attacks by deploying missile defence systems. The potential fallout from the launch may lead to further condemnation and even sanctions.
