North Korea Rejoices Over Success of Ballistic Missile System—Friction Increases

With the successful launch of the ballistic missile system that occurred yesterday, May 14, North Korea celebrates this feat, calling it a “perfect weapon system”.  Launched early on Sunday morning, the missile flew 430 miles before landing in the ocean between North Korea and Japan.  According to Kim’s North Korean engineers, this new kind of ballistic missile system is capable of carrying “a large-size heavy nuclear warhead.”  As a result, many countries are left uneasy about this fact.

Aerospace engineer John Schilling notes that North Korea’s “latest successful missile test represents a level of performance never before seen from a North Korean missile.”  At this rate of development, Schilling says that North Korea will have an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) in one year as opposed to five.

This action has caused other large sovereign powers to berate this act by North Korea, deeming the nation a “flagrant menace” and consequently ordering other allied nations to inflict stronger sanctions against the country.  South Korea and Japan have openly acknowledged this incident but disagree with the sanctions imposed; “[South Korea favors] dialogue with North Korea, saying that sanctions alone have not worked to stop its nuclear and missile threats.”

The DPRK (the official name of North Korea), feeling very triumphant over its success and technological feat, has even greater plans for the near future.  Kim says, “If the U.S. awkwardly attempts to provoke the DPRK, it will not escape from the biggest disaster in the history.”  This could mean an all-out war and nuclear disaster for both countries, not only directly affecting each other, but also affecting neighboring countries in North America and Asia.

Kim adds to that, “The U.S. should not… disregard or misjudge the reality that its mainland and Pacific operation region are in the DPRK’s sighting range for strike and that it has all powerful means for retaliatory strike.”  This suggests that any move the United States makes that DPRK deems threatening could result in fatal consequences.  Although North Korea has been known for its pompous articulation in the past, many are concerned that this threat is real.

President Trump has said that many measures are being taken to “stop North Korea from advancing its nuclear weapons and missile programs… [including] military action,” as stated by Anna Fifield of The Washington Post.  These efforts, although somewhat radical, are by all means necessary in keeping not only the American people safe, but also remaining citizens of the world.

Although tensions have since eased from conflicting statements in April, stresses may be rising once again from this incident.  Just when the world seemed to have taken a turn towards peace, the apparent tides of chaos and unrest return once again.

Featured Image via Flickr/(stephan)