Background of North Korea
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. With an estimated 25 million inhabitants, it is the world’s most isolated, oppressive, and secretive countries. The state and its ruling party, the Workers’ Party of Korea, uphold a one-party state and hereditary supreme leadership. North Korea is known for its frequent missile launches, its proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and its stark authoritarian socialism.
Missile Threats
North Korea poses a serious threat to international security due to its ballistic missile development. One of the greatest security threats posed by North Korea is its development of intermediate-range ballistic missiles. These missiles can be used to strike not only the United States and its allies, but also much of the global community. North Korea has tested a range of missiles, ranging from short-range and intermediate-range missiles to intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the US mainland.
What Did North Korea Launch Today?
On May 4th 2021, America’s intelligence community reported that North Korea had launched several short-range ballistic missiles from Kusong, a city in northwestern part of the country. The missile launch started around 8:05 p.m. local time and lasted for about 10 minutes. As per the estimates of US analysts, the missiles flew up to 300 km and landed in the Sea of Japan. This latest missile launch follows on from a series of other launches conducted by North Korea over the past few weeks.
Purpose of Missile Tests
Analysts believe the tests might be a part of North Korea’s regular military training exercise or may be an attempt to pressure South Korea and the United States to engage in negotiations to relieve economic sanctions. North Korean authorities have repeatedly emphasised their right to test missiles and other weapons as part of their military training exercises and as a response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies.
International Reponse
Japan and South Korea condemned the latest missile launch and urged North Korea to comply with its obligations under international law and to abandon further nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation but no statement was released.
Possible Motives for Missile Launch
The timing of this launch suggests North Korea may be using this to influence ongoing deliberations in the United Nations Security Council and to pressure the United States and its allies to engage in negotiations with North Korea. This could be an attempt by North Korea to increase its leverage in the negotiations when the US and South Korea resume diplomatic talks.
Risk-Implication
The continued launch of missiles by North Korea could lead to increased military tensions in the region, and a heightened risk of conflict. The US government has warned that any further missile tests by North Korea will be met with a swift and strong response.
Economic Impact
The economic impacts of the test launches are becoming increasingly visible. South Korea’s exports to the US and its other allies have been declining since the start of the year due to heightened tensions in the region and the increased risk of armed conflict. The Missile launch is likely to further weaken the economy of South Korea and has had a dampening effect on the South Korean stock market.
Future Action Plan
The United Nations Security Council has yet to respond to North Korea’s latest missile launch and it remains to be seen what action the international community will take. The United States and South Korea have made it clear that they will not be negotiating with North Korea until the country abandons its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes and complies with its international obligations.
International Pressure on North Korea
One of the key strategies that the international community could use to deal with North Korea is to increase the economic and diplomatic pressure on the country. This could involve further economic sanctions and a coordinated international effort to isolate North Korea from the global financial system. This would be a difficult task, given the isolated conditions in which North Korea operates, but not impossible.
South Korea Role
South Korea is well-positioned to play an important role in bringing about a peaceful resolution of the conflict. South Korea has a long history of engagement with North Korea and remains committed to a peaceful reunification of North and South Korea. It is hoped that South Korea can use its influence to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programmes and engage in meaningful dialogue with the international community.
The Role of China
China has the opportunity to play an important role in defusing tensions in the region and in helping to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis. China is North Korea’s closest ally and has the influence and resources to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programmes and to engage in meaningful negotiations with the United States and other members of the international community.
Conclusion
The latest missile launches by North Korea illustrate the need for continued diplomatic engagement and a coordinated international effort to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It is hoped that a combination of increased economic and diplomatic pressure from the international community, along with a commitment to dialogue by North Korea, will be enough to bring the situation under control and avert further escalation in the region.
