Background Information
North Korea has been conducting missile tests for a number of years, leading to significant tensions with other nations, primarily the United States. On July 28th 2017, North Korea launched an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) which, for the first time, put the US mainland within range of its missiles. This launch caught the attention of the world and ignited a flurry of diplomacy and recrimination. There is much confusion and conflicting reports as to what time North Korea launched the ICBM.
Scientific Analysis Data
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the ICBM was launched at approximately 9:40pm North Korean time, which equates to 5:40pm Central European Time. The missile flew for approximately 45 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3.7km before landing in the Sea of Japan. The small size of the ICBM means that it can travel at speeds of up to Mach 15 or 18,000km per hour.
Official Government Statements
In response to the ICBM launch, the US, South Korea and Japan have all released official government statements. The US government has condemned the missile test and has called for tougher economic sanctions against North Korea in order to cripple its nuclear weapons program. South Korea has stated that it will increase its defense capabilities, particularly its missile defense system, in response to the launch. Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has called for further UN sanctions against North Korea in order to put an end to its “dangerous unilateral actions”.
Reactions from the US
The US response to the ICBM launch has been one of shock and anger. US president Donald Trump took to Twitter to express his outrage, posting: “North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life?” Immediately after the launch, the US military conducted a show of force by conducting a joint missile exercise with South Korea.
Political Repercussions
The launch of the ICBM has had far-reaching political implications, particularly in relation to the US and North Korea. The US has stated that it will not tolerate any further missile tests and has called on other countries to increase their pressure on North Korea by preventing it from further developing its nuclear weapons program. In response, North Korea has threatened further nuclear tests if what it calls “provocative” US policy continues.
Analysis of North Korean Motives
The motive behind North Korea’s ICBM test is not yet known. However, US defense analysts believe that the launch is intended to demonstrate its growing nuclear capabilities and to send a message to the US that it can reach the US mainland with its missiles. This message is further bolstered by reports that the launch was successful and that the missile flew further and higher than previously launched models.
Implications for World Stability
The launch of the ICBM has rattled the world community, leading to a renewed sense of wariness, particularly between the US and North Korea. The whereabouts of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and the risk of an armed conflict remain uncertain, as the US continues to exert pressure on the regime through economic sanctions and diplomatic demands.
Possible Solutions
The tensions between the US and North Korea has fuelled speculation over how the situation should be addressed. Some suggest that dialogue should be the first option, while others argue that the US should take a stronger stance and impose tougher sanctions. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has suggested that the US and its allies should stay open to negotiations with North Korea.
International Response
In light of the ICBM test, many countries have voiced their support for a diplomatic solution to the situation. China, North Korea’s closest ally, has called for restraint on all sides, while the European Union has urged North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. The United Nations has also called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying that the UN stands ready to facilitate dialogue and negotiations.
Nuclear Weapons Development
North Korea has been developing its nuclear weapons program for some time, and has conducted multiple nuclear tests. Despite international condemnation and UN economic sanctions, the regime has continued to pursue its weapons program. Reports suggest that North Korea is on the verge of developing a nuclear warhead small enough to be fitted to an ICBM, thus increasing the risk of a nuclear conflict.
International Law
The launch of the ICBM also raises questions about international law, in particular, the UN’s Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). North Korea has long been in violation of the NPT, which prohibits any nuclear weapon development by signatory states. The NPT also stipulates that signatory states must seek to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and thus calls into question North Korea’s right to launch missiles.
Impact of US Administration
Under the current US administration, there has been an increased emphasis on pressuring North Korea to abandon its weapons program. It is unclear what effect this will have on the situation, though it is certain that it will have both economic and diplomatic repercussions. It is also unclear how a further escalation in tensions would affect regional stability and whether a resolution can be achieved through diplomatic means.
