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North Korea Conducts Missile Tests Amid Rising Tensions

4.6

Andrew R. Michaud

December 18, 2023

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has resumed its weapons testing activities with the launch of a suspected long-range ballistic missile into the sea, according to its neighbors. This comes as the country vows to retaliate against U.S. and South Korean efforts to enhance their nuclear deterrence plans.

Japan's Defense Ministry has also confirmed the launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea. The missile is currently in flight and is expected to land in waters outside the Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has stated that there have been no reports of injuries or damage, but a National Security Council meeting will be held to discuss the test.

This latest launch comes just hours after South Korea reported a short-range ballistic missile test by North Korea on Sunday night. This was the first weapons launch by the North in approximately a month.

Experts believe that these consecutive launches are a response to the strengthening of nuclear deterrence plans by South Korea and the United States, in light of North Korea's expanding nuclear threats.

Update on U.S. and South Korea's Nuclear Deterrence Strategies

Senior officials from the United States and South Korea recently convened in Washington to discuss the strengthening of their nuclear deterrence and contingency plans. As part of their collaborative efforts, they have also agreed to incorporate nuclear operation scenarios into their joint military exercises scheduled for next summer.

However, North Korea's Defense Ministry has strongly criticized this move, denouncing it as an overt threat aimed at potentially using nuclear weapons against the country. In response, North Korea has vowed to prepare unspecified "offensive countermeasures" to counter any such actions.

In a statement, the North Korean armed forces said they will take decisive actions to neutralize any attempt by the United States and its allies to initiate a nuclear war. They have warned that any use of armed force against North Korea will be met with a preemptive and deadly counteraction.

Tensions between North and South Korea have intensified following North Korea's launch of a military reconnaissance satellite into space on November 21, which violated U.N. bans. South Korea, the United States, and Japan have strongly condemned this action, believing it to be an attempt by North Korea to enhance its missile technology and establish a space-based surveillance system.

In response, South Korea has announced plans to resume front-line aerial surveillance, while North Korea has retaliated by reinstating border guard posts. Both of these actions would contravene the 2018 inter-Korean agreement aimed at easing military tensions along the border.

Background

The recent meeting between senior U.S. and South Korean officials in Washington has focused on the updating of their respective nuclear deterrence and contingency strategies.