North Korea tests ballistic missile

The state media in North Korea has released details that the nation has reportedly conducted a successful test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

While the nation claims that the missile can “reach anywhere in the world”, experts say that the powerful missile is powerful enough to reach Alaska in America.

The tests come against a background of increased tensions between American and North Korea.

Background

North Korea is one of the most secretive nations in the world and has largely isolated itself from the most countries. It was essentially created in 1948 right after the World War II. During the final days of the war, Soviet Union advanced towards Korea in order to fight the Japanese forces (Korea at that time was occupied by Japan). US asked the Soviets to cease its military advancement amidst fears that Russia would take over whole of Korea. Thus, by 1948, Korea was divided into two countries – the Southern part that had been occupied by the US and North Korea.

During the war between North and South Korea in 1950, US intervened on behalf of South Korea and drove the North Korean forces back. The totalitarian state is currently ruled by Kim Jong-un, who is referred to as the Supreme Leader. He took over after his father, Kim Jong-il, who ruled the country for decades.

The region is considered to be one of the most socially and economically backward countries in the world with poor living conditions for its citizens. It is in a large part aided by two powerful nations – China and Russia. However, relations between them has also been tense at times.

Analysis 

Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea has continued its policy of promoting the military at home and has focused on developing its nuclear program. According to North Korea, it has conducted five successful nuclear tests. These took place between 2006 and 2016. However, since the nation is isolated from the world, there are no independent reports to verify its claims (and North Korea has been known to exaggerate facts to advance its propaganda). The one conducted in 2016 is the strongest one yet.

The latest missile test also has many in the international community worried. According to North Korea, the missile reached a height of 2,802 kilometers (1,741 miles). It is possible that it may have landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Korean Peninsula Waters. US President Donald Trump took to Twitter suggesting that it was time for China to take a harsh stance with North Korea. He said, “Hard to believe that South Korea and Japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!.”

Assessment

Our assessment is that as North Korea continues to expand on its military prowess, Russia and China ought to resolve the situation through diplomacy. Much of the country would not be able to survive a military conflict with the United States. This might cause existential threats to South Korea and Japan.