Did North Korea Test Missiles In 2020
The past year saw a flurry of activity regarding North Korea’s missile program. In March 2020, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles, prompting a range of reactions from the international community. In August 2020, North Korea launched several more short-range ballistic missiles, including missiles that flew over 400km and covered distances of up to 600km. These tests were described by experts as significant, as they demonstrated North Korea’s capability to strike urban centers in Japan, South Korea and the United States.
This activity is seen by many as a reaction to the failure of North Korea to achieve its objectives through diplomacy. After years of painstaking negotiations, the US and North Korea had signed a landmark agreement in 2018. Under the terms of the agreeement, North Korea was to dismantle its weapons programs in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the agreement has not been honored, and North Korea has instead been focusing on building up its missile arsenal.
The recent missile tests have been a source of significant concern for Japan, South Korea and the United States. While North Korea has avoided mentioning the superpower in its rhetoric, experts are concerned that its long-range missiles could reach the US mainland if left unchecked. The North Korean government has maintained that the tests were peaceful in nature, and its spokespersons have routinely reiterated its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.
The international community has responded to these tests with a mixture of apprehension and condemnation. China, arguably North Korea’s closest ally, has spoken out against the missile launches. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has repeatedly condemned North Korea’s “highly destabilizing” behaviour and urged for the re-establishment of dialogue between the involved countries.
The US has also taken a hard stance against North Korea. In October 2020, it imposed the toughest economic sanctions ever seen against North Korea and its officials in an effort to bring its missile program to an end. President Donald Trump has also made it clear that he will not tolerate any nuclear or missile advancements on the Korean peninsula, and has strongly urged North Korea to denuclearize.
When discussing North Korea’s missile program, it is important to consider the views of the experts. Some analysts have argued that the tests are an effort to gain leverage in negotiations. They believe that North Korea is trying to gain bargaining power in order to secure concessions from the international community.
Others, however, take a more pessimistic view. They argue that North Korea is unlikely to give up its nuclear ambitions, and view the tests as a signal that the North Korean government is preparing for military action. Whatever the intention may be, it is clear that the recent tests have increased tensions in the region and prompted new rounds of sanctions and diplomatic talks.
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Impact Of Missile Tests
The impacts of North Korea’s recent missile tests are far-ranging. First and foremost, they have destabilized the region and put China, South Korea, Japan, and the US in a difficult position. As previously mentioned, the US has responded with a new wave of economic sanctions, which have had a devastating impact on the North Korean economy.
Moreover, the tests have had a chilling effect on diplomatic progress between the countries. Negotiations between the US and North Korea have been stalled for many months, and the recent tests have made it harder to resume talks. Overall, it is clear that the missile tests have had a significant impact on the region and have only served to heighten tensions.
What Are The Expert Views
The experts do not all agree about the North Korean government’s goals and motivations for the recent missile tests. Some suggest that North Korea is simply seeking greater bargaining power in negotiations, while others fear that North Korea is aiming for militarization.
Additionally, some experts, such as Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, believe that North Korea is looking to expand its nuclear weapon capabilities, and view the tests as signs of North Korea’s determination to complete its nuclear goals. Others, however, such as arms control expert Taylor Jonker of the Stimson Center, see the tests as a means of gaining leverage without deliberately threatening escalation.
It is important to consider all of the expert perspectives in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of North Korea’s missile program. While there is no consensus on the purpose of the missile launches, there is unanimous agreement that they represent a stark reminder of the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear program.
International Response
Given its close proximity to North Korea, South Korea has had to respond swiftly and decisively to the missile tests. South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in has condemned the tests as a violation of international law and urged the US and North Korea to make positive steps towards denuclearization. Moon has also called for the two countries to resume dialogue in order to find a lasting solution.
The Japanese government has also expressed grave concerns about the tests and has urged North Korea to recognize international nonprofit-proliferation norms. Japan has also deployed its armed forces in order to protect its citizens against any potential North Korean aggression.
However, the response from the United States has been the most cautious. President Trump has consistently reiterated his “maximum pressure” policy regarding North Korea and has expressed his desire for a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Trump has also ruled out the possibility of a military conflict, and has expressed optimism that a dialogue with North Korea can take place.
Humanitarian Crisis
The missile tests have also had a devastating impact on North Korean citizens. Strict economic sanctions imposed by the US, in response to the tests, have caused a severe disruption to the North Korean economy. This has resulted in sky-high food prices and a severe shortage of medical supplies, causing a humanitarian crisis in the country.
Additionally, the missile launches have also put a strain on the lives of other citizens in the region. South Koreans have been enduring violent threats and extravagant military exercises carried out by North Korea. Japan, too, is bracing itself for a potential attack, while Chinese citizens have been expressing anti-North Korean sentiment following the tests.
The crisis in North Korea is rapidly deteriorating, and it has become clear that a diplomatic solution is the only way to bring about lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea must recognize the importance of nuclear non-proliferation and cease its aggressive behaviour in order to avoid further exacerbation of the crisis.
US Reassurance
The US government has sought to reassure its citizens, and the international community, that it will take all necessary measures to protect itself and its allies from North Korean aggression. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in October 2020 that the US will deploy “strong, new capabilities to reduce North Korea’s confidence in its missiles and its willingness to launch them”. The move is seen as a further tightening of economic sanctions against North Korea and a means to further pressure the country into negotiations.
US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly stated that any military action taken against North Korea is off the table, and he remains optimistic that a dialogue will bring about lasting peace. Trump has recently met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the pair have promised to work together in order to reach a peaceful end to the conflict.
The US has also carried out military drills in the Pacific, in cooperation with its allies, as a show of unity and as a deterrence to North Korea’s aggression. These exercises are seen as an effort to protect US citizens from potential North Korean attacks and to prevent North Korea from further developing its nuclear capabilities.
