Key Takeaways
- North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test flights of hypersonic missiles to bolster the country’s nuclear deterrent amid recent geopolitical crisis.
- The tests were conducted to examine the readiness and enhance missile troops’ firepower operational skills, as well as to evaluate the operational capabilities of the country’s war deterrent.
- The missiles hit targets about 1,000km away, over the sea east of North Korea, and Kim emphasized the need to continuously upgrade the military means, especially offensive weapon systems.
- The possession of a functioning hypersonic weapon would give North Korea the ability to penetrate the US and South Korea’s missile defense shields.
- North Korea’s nuclear program is expected to be discussed when South Korean President Lee Jae Myung meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping for a summit.
Introduction to North Korea’s Missile Tests
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has recently overseen the test flights of hypersonic missiles, underscoring the need to bolster the country’s nuclear deterrent amid the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests were conducted to examine the readiness and enhance missile troops’ firepower operational skills, as well as to evaluate the operational capabilities of the country’s war deterrent. The tests came just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, highlighting the tense relations between North Korea and its neighbors.
The Significance of Hypersonic Missiles
The possession of a functioning hypersonic weapon would give North Korea the ability to penetrate the US and South Korea’s missile defense shields. This is a significant development, as it would allow North Korea to launch a surprise attack on its enemies without being detected. The missiles tested by North Korea are believed to be the Hwasong-11, which was showcased at a parade in October. Experts believe that the Kim government is emphasizing its ability to launch such missiles at any time, an effort to complicate US-South Korea’s missile defense system and prevent its preemptive interception.
North Korea’s Nuclear Program
North Korea’s nuclear program has been a major concern for the international community, with the country justifying its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against alleged regime change efforts by Washington. The country has performed a series of tests to acquire hypersonic weapons, but many foreign experts question whether the tested missiles have achieved their desired speed and maneuverability during flights. In recent weeks, North Korea has test-fired what it called long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles, and has also released photos showing apparent progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine.
International Reaction
The international community has been watching North Korea’s actions closely, with South Korea and the US expressing concern over the country’s nuclear program. The US has been accused by North Korea of making a "serious encroachment of sovereignty" and showing its "rogue and brutal nature" through its actions in Venezuela. China, North Korea’s major ally and economic pipeline, is expected to play a key role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung calling for China to take "a constructive role" in efforts to promote peace.
Upcoming Developments
Observers say that North Korea aims to demonstrate or review its achievements in the weapons development sector ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party Congress, the first of its kind in five years. Keen attention is on whether Kim would use the congress to set a new approach to relations with the US and resume long-dormant talks. The congress is expected to be a significant event, with North Korea’s nuclear program and relations with the US and China likely to be major topics of discussion. The meeting between Lee and Xi is also expected to be significant, with North Korea’s nuclear program likely to be a major topic of discussion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Korea’s recent missile tests are a significant development in the country’s nuclear program, and highlight the need for the international community to take a closer look at the country’s actions. The possession of a functioning hypersonic weapon would give North Korea a significant advantage in terms of its military capabilities, and the country’s nuclear program is likely to remain a major concern for the international community. The upcoming Workers’ Party Congress and the meeting between Lee and Xi are likely to be significant events, and will be closely watched by the international community.
