North Korea Test-Fires Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile
In a bold military move, North Korea test-fired what is believed to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Tuesday, according to South Korean officials. This action marks the latest in a series of military maneuvers following leader Kim Jong Un’s declaration at the start of the year that he was abandoning a policy aimed at reconciliation with South Korea.
Pyongyang has remained tight-lipped about the suspected test, which comes just over a week before crucial legislative elections in South Korea. These elections will serve as a gauge of support for conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, known for his tough stance against the North during his tenure.
Despite facing years of sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program, North Korea has escalated its weapons tests and military exercises in recent weeks. On March 19, the regime announced a successful test of a multistage, solid-fueled rocket engine for a “new-type intermediate-range hypersonic missile,” as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim emphasized the significance of the IRBM system’s development for North Korea’s security, comparing it to the country’s intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.
While details of the new hypersonic weapon were not disclosed in the KCNA report, North Korea has previously mentioned testing a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, an HGV can maneuver at high speeds near its target, making it harder to detect and intercept.
Amidst these developments, North Korea’s military has conducted several exercises in recent months, coinciding with joint drills between the US and South Korea. The regime displayed its arsenal, including long-range artillery and multiple rocket launchers, posing a threat to South Korea’s capital and nearby areas.
With the upcoming April 10 elections, polls indicate President Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) trailing behind the opposition Democratic Party. A potential loss for the PPP could weaken Yoon’s leadership, given his advocacy for closer military ties with the US and Japan.
Despite the missile test, analysts suggest that the impact on the upcoming vote may be minimal, as South Koreans are more focused on internal issues such as healthcare reform and economic challenges.
Furthermore, the suspected missile test coincides with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s upcoming visit to Washington for a trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. While China’s assertiveness is expected to dominate discussions, North Korea is likely to be on the agenda for the three leaders.
Recent statements from North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui have dismissed any possibility of Japan engaging with Pyongyang, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region. The situation continues to evolve as global powers navigate through diplomatic challenges and security threats.
