missiles: North Korea test-fired a suspicious intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and two shorter-range weapons into the sea on Wednesday, according to South Korea. It happened just hours after President Joe Biden wrapped up a trip to Asia.
Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to defend its allies against the North’s nuclear missiles threat. It would be North Korea’s first ICBM launch in roughly two months, if confirmed, amid halted nuclear diplomacy with the US. North Korea claimed to have test-launched its longest-range missile in March. Thus, it breaks the 2018 embargo on long-range launches. Thus, the development of functional nuclear-armed missiles is capable of reaching the American homeland.
The missiles were launched as North Korea claimed that their first domestic COVID-19 outbreak was diminishing. Furthermore, the suspected ICBM achieved a maximum height of 540 kilometres (335 miles) and travelled 360 kilometres (223 miles) east, according to the South Korean military.
U.S-South Korea-Japan’s response to North Korea missiles
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the US and South Korean forces responded by firing two surface-to-surface missiles to display the partners’ striking capabilities. It claimed that the allies had discovered North Korea’s launch preparations in advance. It reported the South Korean air force conducted an “elephant walk” on Tuesday. Thus, it was with fully 30 equipped F-15K fighter planes marching information along a runway.
The missile launches, according to the US Indo-Pacific Command, demonstrate “the destabilizing impact of (North Korea’s) illicit weapons programme.” Though, they do not pose a direct threat to US territory or allies. The US commitment to the protection of South Korea and Japan “remains unwavering,” according to a military statement.
The launches, according to Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, were “an act of provocation and utterly illegal.” He accused North Korea of pursuing its weapons development programme. Thus, ignoring the pain of the people as the coronavirus spreads throughout the country.
This was North Korea’s 17th series of missile launches this year. Many experts believe that the launches demonstrate North Korea’s willingness to continue with its modernization efforts. Despite focusing on the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and putting additional pressure on its adversaries to wrest sanctions relief.
Mr. Biden and Mr. Yoon said during their discussion in Seoul on Saturday that they would consider expanding military exercises to prevent North Korean nuclear threats.
Mr. Biden also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. Therefore, both nations pledged to work closely on security issues such as North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Also, to focus on China’s “increasingly coercive” behaviour in the region.
