On Monday, North Korea launched a second ballistic missile into the sea off its eastern coast, as reported by the South Korean military. The military’s statement provided only the timing of the launch, early Monday morning, and did not specify the missile’s flight distance.
Japan’s Defense Ministry also confirmed the detection of what it suspects to be a ballistic missile launch from North Korea.
This launch occurred mere hours after South Korea had noted North Korea’s test of a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, marking a resumption of its weapons testing after about a month’s hiatus.
Experts suggest that these consecutive missile launches by North Korea are likely a response to recent efforts by South Korea and the United States to strengthen their nuclear deterrence strategies in light of North Korea’s advancing nuclear capabilities.
Over the weekend, high-level U.S. and South Korean officials convened in Washington, agreeing to revise their nuclear deterrence and contingency plans. These revised plans will now include nuclear operation scenarios in their joint military exercises scheduled for the following summer.
North Korea’s Defense Ministry sharply criticized this decision to incorporate nuclear operation scenarios into the joint drills, labeling it as a blatant threat of potential nuclear action against North Korea. The ministry promised to develop “offensive countermeasures,” though the specifics were not disclosed.
Tensions between the Koreas have escalated following North Korea’s launch of its first military reconnaissance satellite into space on November 21, a move that contravenes U.N. sanctions.
The satellite launch drew strong condemnation from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, who perceive it as North Korea’s effort to enhance its missile technology and establish a space-based surveillance system.
In response, South Korea announced plans to intensify front-line aerial surveillance. In retaliation, North Korean authorities announced the reinstatement of their border guard posts, as per Seoul officials. Both actions are in direct violation of the 2018 agreement between the Koreas aimed at reducing military tensions along the front lines.
