North Korea seems to be sending a message that they are growing impatient waiting for the sanctions to be dropped:
In this undated photo released Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, listens to a military official as he inspects a weapon testing at the Academy of National Defense Science, North Korea. Kim observed the successful test of a newly developed high-tech tactical weapon.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the successful test of an unspecified “newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon,” state media reported Friday, in an apparent bid to apply pressure on the United States and South Korea.
It didn’t appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the U.S. A string of such tests last year had many fearing war before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons.
The North hasn’t publicly tested any weapons since November 2017, but in recent days Pyongyang reportedly expressed anger at U.S.-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States.
Earlier this month, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn’t receive sanctions relief.
“It’s North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying ‘If you don’t listen to us, you will face political burdens,'” said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. [Reuters]
You can read more at the link, but of course the Moon administration in South Korea is playing down this weapons test:
North Korea’s test of an unspecified high-tech weapon should not be interpreted as a sign that the regime is abandoning denuclearization talks with the United States, a senior South Korean official said Thursday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the “successful” test of a “high-tech tactical weapon” at a national defense institute, state media reported early Friday (local time).
It marked the first such inspection by the leader following his viewing of an intercontinental ballistic missile launch in November 2017.
“It’s clearly something that we should watch carefully,” the senior government official who was visiting Washington told reporters on condition of anonymity. “But it’s still early to view this as a change of heart in terms of the North Koreans’ intention to have denuclearization talks or its intention to resolve the issue of regime security and improve ties with the U.S. through talks.” [Yonhap]
The big question remains what was tested? My guess would be is that they tested their multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) called the KN-09.
This photo from the North Korean daily Rodong Sinmun on March 4, 2016, shows a test fire of the country’s new multiple rocket launcher.
They last test fired their MLRS in 2016 and it reportedly has a range out to 200 kilometers. Maybe their new “ultramodern” weapon is an MLRS with greater range? Regardless a 200 kilometer range already threatens Osan Airbase and Camp Humphreys, the two major US military installations in South Korea.
Weapons that can only reach areas of the ROK. Are the dumb duckling S. Koreans concerned?
J6Junkie
5 years ago
Dolphins with frickin’ lasers on their heads?
AppeasingNorthKorea
5 years ago
South Korea paid weapons of mass destruction. They should shoot that thing right at the Blue House and put it right through Moon’s a$$ hole.
Flyingsword
5 years ago
Bet it was funded by “tangerines”.
Rascal1212
5 years ago
Assume an a longer range tactical rocket. Suppose KJU fires one or more towards OAFB and by some stroke of luck it’s shot down or maybe falls short. Who do you think will be put on the blame line for the collateral damage? Given SKs are hypocritical culture the answer is plain.
Weapons that can only reach areas of the ROK. Are the dumb duckling S. Koreans concerned?
Dolphins with frickin’ lasers on their heads?
South Korea paid weapons of mass destruction. They should shoot that thing right at the Blue House and put it right through Moon’s a$$ hole.
Bet it was funded by “tangerines”.
Assume an a longer range tactical rocket. Suppose KJU fires one or more towards OAFB and by some stroke of luck it’s shot down or maybe falls short. Who do you think will be put on the blame line for the collateral damage? Given SKs are hypocritical culture the answer is plain.