North Korea missile launches into waters off the Sea of Japan early on Monday. South Korea’s military reported that the North fired two ballistic missiles from an airport near Pyongyang. Japan also confirmed the launch.
The South Korean military spotted the single-missile released at 7:27 AM local time from Jagang province near the Chinese border. It was flying around 430 miles reaching an altitude of about 37 miles. Finally, the missile landed in the sea between Korea and Japan.
This year, it was the fourth missile launch, including two hypersonic missile tests on January 5 and 11. On January 14, North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles from train cars.
The United Nations strictly prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests. But the country regularly disregards the ban. Despite the prohibition and strict sanctions, leader Kim Jong-Un has vowed to strengthen his country’s defenses.
Why is North Korea launching missiles in unusual tests?
Experts noticed the unusual and frequent missile launches in January. North Korea usually conducts its missile tests to mark significant events. Or sometimes, to show disapproval at US-South Korea military exercises.
“North Korea launches weapons to enhance missile resources and maintain operational skills. The latest tests more likely validate this.” -Ankit Panda, a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace expert.
Similarly, Kim Jong-Un also has local issues. In this time of economic difficulty, the test enabled him to convey that the country’s defense priorities will not fail, Ankit Panda told the BBC.
North Korea is struggling with food scarcity and a weakening economy due to a self-imposed barrier to avoid COVID-19. The blockade has temporarily cut off their economic ties with China. But there have been reports that this might resume soon.
Kim Jong-Un recently admitted that his country is facing significant challenges. In contrast, he vowed to increase its military capabilities by developing hypersonic missiles.
Meanwhile, talks with the US have been delayed since President Joe Biden took over. The present US administration imposed its first sanctions on North Korea this month due to the earlier test.
The latest launch might be a stronger reaction to the sanctions. It might be because North Korea has no plan to be dominated by the US. – Park Won-gon, Professor on North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University.
Does North Korea launch missiles because of China?
Coincidentally, the missile tests are happening weeks before the Winter Olympics. The prestigious event will open in Beijing on February 4.
China would not welcome North Korea testing on its territory on the eve of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. North Korean analyst Chad O’Carroll said this on Twitter.
“There are reports that North Korea might resume trade with China soon. This timing implies Beijing is possibly associated with Pyongyang’s provocations. China supports North Korean economic and military interests.” – North Korean expert Leif-Eric Easley.
With that said, the North Korean leadership is likely wrapping up its early 2022 missile tests before the Olympics.
The timing also reminds us that North Korea does not want to stay quiet about the 2022 South Korean presidential election.
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