In response to North Korea’s unveiling of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is presumed to be a solid fuel engine during the military parade, the US State Department said on the 9th (local time), “We will increase the frequency and intensity of US strategic asset deployment and expand extended deterrence on-the-ground exercises.” said.
In response to a Dong-A Ilbo inquiry about the North Korean military parade held the day before, the US State Department spokesperson’s office emphasized, “South Korea and the US will continue to cooperate to strengthen extended deterrence in a situation where North Korea’s political rhetoric (rhetoric) about its nuclear weapons program is increasing.” In particular, the State Department pointed out, “The Yoon Seok-yeol administration has made it clear that it does not pursue nuclear weapons and will closely cooperate with the United States through the existing extended deterrence system.”
Aiming at North Korea, which unveiled its new ICBM and tactical nuclear operation unit, saying that it “showed off its maximum nuclear attack capability” at the parade, it was emphasized that South Korea is not pursuing its own nuclear development, and made it clear that North Korea is responsible for escalating tension on the Korean Peninsula. will be. It is interpreted as a warning message to North Korea and a response to concerns that public opinion on self-development of nuclear weapons will rise in South Korea due to the disclosure of ICBMs.
State Department spokesman Ned Price also said at the briefing that day, “We have proposed dialogue with North Korea.” This means that if North Korea does not stop its provocations, it will continue to strengthen sanctions against North Korea along with military responses such as strengthening extended deterrence.
Ankit Panda, a senior researcher at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace, told Free Asia Broadcasting (RFA), “The new weapon that appeared in the North Korean military parade is likely to be a solid fuel-propelled ICBM.” did.
Ian Williams, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said, “The preparation time for launch is much shorter” for solid fuel ICBMs, and “It is also difficult to attack the ‘left side of the launch (before launch)’ stage, which destroys the missile before launch.” Former White House weapons of mass destruction coordinator Gary Seymour also said at the CSIS interview that he was “not optimistic” about North Korea’s missile defense through missile defense systems such as the Iron Dome.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.