North Korea on Monday confirmed about launching the Hwasong-12 ballistic missile. The nation had previously threatened to use the name for enveloping fire on the US territory of Guam.
Biggest missile testing since 2017
The launch of the Hwasong-12 ballistic missile, an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) was first reported by the Japanese and South Korean authorities on Sunday. This is North Korea’s seventh test this month. However, it is the first time that a nuclear-capable missile of this magnitude launched since 2017. Additionally, the United States is expressing its concerns about North Korea escalating missile tests. The US vowed that they are “designed to show our commitment to our allies”.
“It’s not just what they did yesterday, it’s the fact that this is coming on the heels of quite a significant number of tests in this month,” stated a senior US official. The US is urging the need for direct talks with Pyongyang. While the nation stated that it is open to diplomacy, the US’ overtures are undermining it. This is due to the support for joint military drills and arms in South Korea. According to KCNA, a North Korean state news agency, the test “confirmed the accuracy, safety, and operational effectiveness of the produced Hwasong-12 type weapon system”.
Status of US and North Korea talks
Additionally, back in 2018, Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader declared that their nuclear force was complete. He was also owing to suspend testing and launching the long-range missiles owned by the nation. Kim stated that he was not bound by the previous moratorium since the stalling of the talks in 2019. They are now suggesting that they can restart testing since the US is not showing signs of dropping their ‘hostile policies’. However, it is not clear if the IRBMs such as Hwasong-12 are a part of the moratorium.
Moreover, Moon Jae-in, the South Korean President stated that the tests are reminiscent of high tensions from 2017 when the military power conducted several nuclear missile tests. They also drew threats of “fire and fury” from the US. “North Korea’s series of missile test-fires, including intermediate-range ballistic missiles, pose a direct and serious threat to us and a grave challenge to international peace and stability. We will maintain a full military readiness posture that can respond immediately to any situation,” stated Suh Wook. Suh is South Korea’s Defense Minister. However, Japan stated that the missile technology “cannot be tolerated”.