Pyongyang/Washington – North Korea has tested a long-range nuclear-capable cruise missile. According to North Korean media, the test was conducted for two consecutive days on Saturday and Sunday. Moreover, the new missile could hit targets at a distance of about 1,500 kilometres. US envoys will visit Japan and South Korea this week. Analysts claimed that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has tried to intimidate them by carrying out this test before envoys’ visit.
In March, North Korea tested short-range cruise missiles as well as ballistic missiles. After that, a US study group released a report on the increase in nuclear activity from North Korea. Last month, North Korea warned to increase its capacity to launch a preemptive strike. North Korea has since issued a ‘navigational warning’ twice. The warning could be a prelude to a nuclear test, analysts claim.
Against this background, the tests conducted on Saturday and Sunday for two consecutive days are noteworthy. According to North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA, the cruise missile had a range of 1,500 kilometres in both tests and has met other technical criteria. The news agency also claimed that the missile was strategically important. Two photographs of the test have also been released. This is the first time North Korea has tested a nuclear-capable long-range cruise missile, analysts say.
Japan and South Korea, along with the United States, have expressed concern over the new tests. The US Department of Defence has warned that North Korea’s new tests threaten the international community. The United States has said tests show North Korea is moving to develop its military program further. The US also claimed that they are committed to the security of Japan and South Korea. Japan has expressed serious concerns over North Korea’s new tests. South Korea has said it is closely monitoring the missile tests and subsequent developments.
North Korea’s test is seen as a warning to the United States, Japan and South Korea. US special envoy Sung Kim is set to visit Japan and South Korea this week. During this visit, discussions will be held about starting talks with North Korea on denuclearisation. With that in mind, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has carried out tests to increase pressure.
Two years ago, a meeting between former US President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was unsuccessful. Since then, talks between the two countries have come to a complete standstill. Although the United States has repeatedly indicated readiness for talks, they have refused to accept the terms put forward by North Korea. North Korea has put forward conditions such as easing sanctions and withdrawing troops from South Korea. Tests show that North Korea has once again begun to augment its nuclear capabilities after the United States rejected the terms.
Related posts:
US plans military action against North Korea nuclear program
South Korea will attempt to improve relations with North Korea, announces South Korea’s newly elected President
North Korea will launch nuclear attack on the US by July 23, 2018, warns British Ministry of Defence
North Korea continuing with nuclear and missile programs: Confidential UN report
“United States in direct contact with North Korea”, Claims External Affairs Minister Rex Tillerson
North Korea will bolster its nuclear program, says dictator Kim Jong-un
US-South Korea on the backdrop of two-plus-two talks, North Korea rejects US offer of discussion
