A stern warning to the US

North Korea has successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the second time this year.

The launch puts placed US cities in range of potential attack. North Korea has said that this was a “stern warning” to the US.

Background

The relationship between the US and North Korea has been tense for decades. During the war between North and South Korea in 1950, US forces successfully intervened on behalf of South Korea.

On July 2017, North Korea conducted a successful test-launch of an ICBM. According to experts, it was capable of reaching Alaska. The North Korean state-sponsored media called the test as “gift” for America. 

The US government retaliated by conducting a joint missile military exercise along with South Korea. In addition, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said that the country will take military action against North Korea if necessary. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on China to do more to neutralize the threat.

Analysis

The US state department has confirmed that the most recent launch was a long-range ICBM. It flew 998km in length at high trajectory and landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone. Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe convened a meeting with the country’s national security council in the aftermath of the test. South Korea has also condemned the tests and conducted fired missiles into South Korean territorial waters along with the US.

The US president issued a statement calling the actions of North Korea, “reckless”. He said, North Korea’s test launch today of another intercontinental ballistic missile -- the second such test in less than a month-- is only the latest reckless and dangerous action by the North Korean regime… The United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region.”

Assessment

Our assessment is that North Korea is signaling to the US and the world to not take its threat lightly. China, which is one of North Korea’s most important allies, must work along with the international community to ensure the situation does not escalate.