Background Information
North Korea’s missile program has been a source of ongoing international concern since its first test of a ballistic missile in 1983. In recent years, the country has stepped up its efforts to develop and improve its missile technology, with several successful long-range missile tests in 2016. North Korea’s efforts are concerning due to its proximity to the United States, Japan, and other countries in the region. Despite international condemnation, North Korea continues to pursue the development and improvement of its missile technology.
Source of Missile Technology
North Korea is believed to have had foreign assistance from countries such as Iran and Pakistan to develop its missile technology. However, there have been reports indicating that North Korea has received help from China and Russia as well. China is believed to have supplied North Korea with missiles, components and technology, and Russia has been accused of providing the country with missile technology and knowledge. These two countries have denied the allegations, however, the evidence suggests they may be helping North Korea with its missile program.
International Repercussions
The development of North Korea’s missile program has serious international implications. Not only is there the risk of North Korea using its missiles to attack neighboring countries, but there is also the risk of other countries, such as China and Russia, using the same technology to launch their own attacks. This could potentially lead to an arms race in the region, with the risk of all out war between competing countries.
United Nations Sanctions
In an effort to curb North Korea’s missile program, the United Nations Security Council has imposed a number of sanctions on North Korea. These sanctions have had limited success in stopping the development of North Korea’s missile program, as the country is believed to be receiving help from other countries. Despite the sanctions, North Korea has continued to develop its missile program.
International Pressure
The international community has been pressing China and Russia to cease their alleged assistance to North Korea in its missile development program. While both countries have denied the allegations, they have failed to provide evidence to substantiate their claims. It has been suggested that US President Donald Trump has recently increased pressure on the two countries to stop their support of North Korea’s missile program.
North Korea’s Intentions
North Korea’s intentions behind its missile program remain unclear. While the country has stated it is pursuing the program as a deterrent, it is feared that North Korea may be attempting to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile. This would put it in the position to launch a nuclear attack on other countries in the region, which is a cause for great concern.
China’s Role
China has long been accused of providing support for North Korea’s missile program. It has been suggested that China has supplied components, materials and technology to North Korea, and that China may be helping North Korea with its research into missile technology. China remains firm in its denial of these allegations, though its actions in recent years have done little to alleviate suspicions.
Russia’s Involvement
Russia has also been accused of providing North Korea with missile technology. Reports have suggested that Russia has transferred engineers and technicians to North Korea, and may have even supplied the country with missile components. Despite Moscow’s denial of involvement, the evidence gathered thus far paints a concerning picture of the relationship between the two countries.
International Response
The international community has been vocal in its condemnation of North Korea’s missile program. Sanctions have been imposed to try and curb the development of North Korea’s missiles, but it appears that these measures have had little effect. The US has quietly attempted to negotiate with countries such as China and Russia to cease their support of North Korea, though these efforts have been largely unsuccessful thus far.
Conclusion
North Korea’s missile program is a cause of ongoing international concern, particularly due to the country’s pursuit of long range ballistic missiles. It is believed that North Korea has received assistance from countries such as China and Russia to develop its missile technology and knowledge, which has only increased the tensions in the region. The international community has sought to impose sanctions and increase diplomatic pressure in an effort to stop North Korea’s missile program, but it appears these efforts have had little success.
