North Korea has announced the successful test-fire of a new hypersonic missile system, which leader Kim Jong Un claims will bolster the country’s ability to deter its rivals in the Pacific. The launch coincided with the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to South Korea, a strategic ally and rival of the North.
According to the KCNA state news agency, the missile flew 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) at 12 times the speed of sound before landing in water. Kim described the test as a self-defensive measure, emphasizing its importance in ensuring national security. “The hypersonic missile system will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region that can affect the security of our state,” Kim said.
Strategic Significance
Kim underscored that the missile’s performance demonstrated its potential to “deal a serious military strike to a rival while effectively breaking any dense defensive barrier.” He added that the development of North Korea’s defense capabilities as a military power would continue to accelerate.
The test comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with North Korea and South Korea technically still at war following the 1953 armistice agreement.
International Reactions
In response to the launch, US Secretary of State Blinken and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, condemned the test during a joint news conference in Seoul. Blinken stressed the importance of strengthening trilateral cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan to address North Korea’s military advancements.
The test marks North Korea’s first missile launch since the US presidential election in November and follows the November test of what Pyongyang claimed was its most advanced solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Kim defended the hypersonic missile test as a necessary step for self-defense, rejecting allegations of offensive intent. “This is clearly a plan and effort for self-defense, not an offensive plan and action,” he said.
Regional Implications
The test has raised concerns about escalating military tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea’s growing missile capabilities pose a challenge to regional stability and have prompted calls for increased international dialogue and cooperation to address the security threat.
Sources By Agencies
