…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
North Korea has declared its intention to launch a spy satellite in June, stating that it is necessary to monitor what it perceives as “dangerous” military activities by the United States and its allies.
This announcement comes amid criticism of joint military exercises between the US and South Korea, including large-scale live-fire drills.
However, Japan has raised concerns, noting that the satellite launch could potentially violate United Nations sanctions due to the overlap between satellite launch technology and ballistic missile technology.
North Korea’s Justification for the Satellite Launch:
Ri Pyong Chol, the vice-chairman of North Korea’s ruling party’s central military commission, emphasized the importance of the satellite for tracking, monitoring, and preemptively dealing with the perceived dangerous military actions of the US and its allies.
He cited Washington and Seoul’s “reckless” behavior as the reason behind North Korea’s need to enhance its reconnaissance and defensive capabilities.
Accusations of Hostile Air Espionage:
The North Korean official accused the United States of conducting “hostile air espionage activities on the Korean peninsula and in its vicinity.”
The official Korean Central News Agency highlighted these accusations, suggesting that North Korea sees itself as a target of such activities.
Concerns of Violating UN Sanctions:
While North Korea typically does not provide advance notice of missile launches, it has informed Japan of its satellite launch plans.
However, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concern that a launch utilizing ballistic missile technology would violate UN Security Council resolutions, posing a threat to people’s safety.
Comparison between Satellites and Ballistic Missiles:
Experts point out that while satellites and ballistic missiles have different objectives, their technology is essentially the same.
Launching a satellite using ballistic missile technology would be considered a violation of UN resolutions that prohibit such launches.
North Korean Leader’s Approval and Defense Project:
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally inspected the military spy satellite and approved its launch.
He had previously identified the development of such satellites as a crucial defense project for the country’s military.
Reactions from Japan and South Korea:
Japan’s defense ministry issued an order to shoot down any ballistic missile heading toward its territory.
South Korea’s foreign ministry condemned North Korea’s launch plan, describing it as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit the use of ballistic missile technology.
Both Japan and South Korea have been working towards improving relations, particularly regarding the threat posed by North Korea’s military activities.
Conclusion:
North Korea’s announcement of its intention to launch a spy satellite in June has raised concerns regarding potential violations of UN sanctions.
While North Korea argues that the satellite is crucial for monitoring perceived threats from the US and its allies, critics point out the similarity between satellite and ballistic missile technology.
Japan and South Korea have expressed apprehension and emphasized the need to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions banning the use of such technology.