What Is the Latest Threat From North Korea
North Korea is a nation shrouded in mystery. It is perhaps best known for its authoritarian regime and its hostile attitude towards the western political order. In recent years, North Korea has become notorious for its threatening behaviour towards its neighbouring countries, notably South Korea and the United States. Despite its condition as a relatively poor and isolated nation, North Korea continues to develop its nuclear capabilities — the latest threat from the isolated nation.
In October 2020, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un revealed to the world the latest advancement of their nuclear capabilities — a new submarine-launched ballistic missile. Nicknamed ‘The Whale’, the new missile is capable of being launched mid-flight underwater — making it a potent, stealthy sea-based nuclear threat. The missile is armed with a range of warheads, and it would increase North Korea’s nuclear capabilities drastically if placed into service.
The international response to the missile has been one of stern concern — after all, a submarine launch presents a bigger challenge than an airborne launch for missile defences to combat. The US and South Korean governments have both released statements condemning the move as a “grave threat” and calling for tough United Nations sanctions against North Korea until it dismantles its nuclear arsenal.
The development of the new missile is in direct violation of the UN’s sanctions against the country, and has observers worried that North Korea could be gearing up for further provocations and aggressive postures in the future. Some experts predict that North Korea is seeking to create a modern version of the ‘Balance of Terror’ concept — where the possession of nuclear weapons by both sides provides a deterrent to military conflict. North Korea could be making use of its weapons to pressure smaller neighbouring nations into submission in terms of foreign policy and other matters.
Most analysts agree that North Korea is unlikely to ever launch a nuclear strike against other countries — the nation depends on nations like China, the US, and South Korea for much of its trade and even basic necessities. If North Korea were to launch a nuclear attack, other nations would be quick to respond with retaliation, costing North Korea dearly in terms of economic sanctions and diplomacy. Therefore, North Korea’s nuclear threats are more likely to be used as a way to coerce weaker states into submission and to demonstrate the nation’s military strength.
Nevertheless, the threat posed by North Korea to its surrounding countries should not be underestimated. The nation has built an arsenal of nuclear weapons in the past few years, with both missiles and bombs, and these could be used against its neighbours. North Korea’s rhetoric and hostile attitude to the western world will continue to pose risks, and the United Nations will keep a close eye on the situation.
Effects On Neighboring Countries
The latest threat from North Korea has had an immediate effect on its neighbors. In South Korea, the government has placed its military on high alert, and the United States is considering the deployment of more troops and resources closer to the Korean peninsula. Japan has also been looking to further reinforce its defenses, and has called for stricter United Nations sanctions to be enforced on North Korea.
The international community has also been quick to respond. A statement from the United Nations has strongly condemned North Korea’s actions, and it has called for a full investigation into the threat. The US has also recently announced the deployment of a new missile defence system to the region, designed to shoot down any missiles fired from North Korea.
For its part, South Korea is trying to maintain its delicate balance between dealing with the North Korean threat while at the same time pursuing the prospect of peace. South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in has said that despite North Korea’s provocations, the South will pursue unification with North Korea through dialogue and diplomacy. While the North Korean regime’s nuclear ambitions constitute a real threat to its neighbours, South Korea is resolute in its desire to build a lasting peace in the region.
International Response
The international community has been quick to respond to the latest threat from North Korea. The United Nations’ Security Council has held emergency meetings to discuss the situation, and various UN resolutions have been proposed to tighten existing sanctions on North Korea. The US has held multiple talks with China and South Korea to discuss options for managing the crisis — though the US does not believe in engaging in direct dialogue with North Korea at this point.
The US and allies are also seeking to strengthen their diplomatic ties with other international powers in Asia, notably Japan and Australia. These are seen as crucial for preventing North Korea from developing its nuclear capabilities further. The US and Japan have also been working together to enhance their military preparedness, with the deployment of an advanced anti-missile system in Japan and the possible deployment of more US troops to South Korea.
The international response has been largely consistent and fractured, with the majority of countries denouncing North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and emphasizing the importance of diplomatic solutions.
Global Consequences
The prospect of North Korea having the ability to launch a nuclear strike on its neighbour is one of the most pressing security issues in the world right now. The fear of a nuclear conflict, in addition to the increased risk of a military conflict, is driving countries to take diplomatic and military measures to reduce the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
The international community is now looking to China to help mediate the situation and convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear enterprise. China is North Korea’s most powerful ally and trading partner and has the most influence over the country — with Beijing’s help, the international community might be able to get North Korea to back down and abandon its nuclear programme.
The growing tensions between North Korea and its neighbours have also had implications for the global economy. International markets have reacted nervously to the news of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and have seen sharp drops in stock prices. The implications of a full-scale conflict could also be disastrous, with a potential for massive financial losses.
Ongoing Conflict
The latest threats from North Korea are far from over. The nation has continued to test fire missiles and carry out other provocative military drills in spite of the United Nations’ pleas for the country to cease its escalation.
The US and South Korea have also continued their efforts to deter North Korea, by deploying additional troops and military hardware closer to the Korean peninsula. The US has also imposed additional economic sanctions on North Korea, effectively cutting the county off from international markets and depriving it of vital resources.
Meanwhile, North Korea has continued to issue warnings to the international community. North Korean leaders have continued to call for the US to end its policy of “maximum pressure”, and they have criticized countries like Japan, South Korea and the US for their joint military exercises. North Korea has also claimed that it would be willing to engage in dialogue with the US and South Korea, but that it would not do so until the US stops its “hostile” stance towards the country.
Latest Actions By North Korean Government
North Korea has continued its hostile activities in recent months. The isolated nation has launched further missiles, conducted more military drills and issued a series of threats to other countries. North Korea has also refused to attend reconciliation talks with South Korea, and has refused to engage in meaningful dialogue with the international community.
The international community has condemned these latest actions by North Korea, but has been unable to pressure the rogue nation into changing its stance. For now, North Korea remains a major security threat to its neighbors, and the international community is still seeking ways to bring the North back to the negotiating table.
Possible Solutions
The international community must continue to search for ways to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure are the most effective tools in the international community’s arsenal, but it is not enough to fully contain North Korea’s threats. Improved relations between the US and China could be a key factor in this process, as China is the most influential player in the region.
South Korea has also been pushing for greater dialogue, as it seeks to achieve lasting peace and unity with North Korea. President Moon Jae-in has recently proposed a “sunshine policy”, in which greater economic and cultural ties are built between the two countries in order to reduce international tensions. However, the North Korean government has remained hostile so far, and it remains to be seen whether this strategy will be successful.
The international community will also need to continue to focus on North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. Strengthening existing sanctions and enforcing UN resolutions will be crucial in restricting North Korea’s access to resources, while also keeping up diplomatic pressure on the country.
