In a series of events, North Korea conducted missile launches and hinted at a possible nuclear test. The launches involved multiple short-range ballistic missiles, fired simultaneously from various locations. This indicates North Korea's readiness to deploy these missiles operationally. The timing of these launches suggests a response to increased ROK-US joint defense activities under the Yoon Seok-ryeol administration.
These missile launches are seen as a protest against the strengthened ROK-US defense posture and may serve as a test and inspection of their military capabilities. Simultaneously, there are concerns that North Korea is preparing for its seventh nuclear test, potentially involving the development of small nuclear warheads or tactical nuclear weapons.
The international community, including South Korea, the United States, and Japan, has strongly condemned these provocations and called for dialogue and cooperation, but the situation remains tense, with the possibility of further escalations.
1. The leaders of South Korea and the United States reaffirmed their goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing the importance of security and the need for a strong deterrent against North Korea.
2. They decided to expand joint ROK-US military training and utilize all defense capabilities when necessary.
3. The leaders of South Korea and the United States created a strategic consultation system for the diplomatic and defense expansion of the ROK and the United States in 2016, but it was discontinued after the second meeting in 2018.
4. President Biden expressed his intention to provide support, including vaccines, to North Korea, which is currently experiencing the corona crisis.
5. President Yoon Sung-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden visited the Aerospace Operations Center together, which was interpreted as sending a warning message from North Korea while emphasizing the ROK-US alliance.
6. North Korea launched three missiles towards the East Sea, with the U.S. dispatching strategic bombers in response.
7. North Korea conducted its seventh nuclear test at a location other than the initially known Punggye-ri nuclear test site.
8. North Korea's missile launches were interpreted as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a demonstration of the North Korean regime's use of nuclear weapons and missiles.
9. North Korea's missile launches were closely linked to its imminent seventh nuclear test, with the intention to increase military tension as a simple test and inspection, similar to actual combat.
10. North Korea refined its tactics and warheads and dedicated launch vehicles at the same time, with the timing of the nuclear test being flexible because China is trying to stop North Korea.