United States Spy Satellites Detect Activity from North Korean Nuclear Test Site

United States spy satellites have recently detected fresh activity from North Korea’s underground nuclear testing site.  Two U.S. officials say that the activity involves underground modifications of one of the tunnel entrances to the underground testing site.  While not sure if this activity indicates a sixth nuclear test, some say that a North Korean launch is imminent during Wednesday’s visit to Washington by Chinese military officials and diplomats.

North Korea has defiantly launched its missile system in the past on multiple occasions, ignoring complaints and warnings from neighboring and competing countries.  For example, on May 14, North Korea successfully launched its ballistic missile system, calling it the “perfect weapon system”.  The missile flew 430 miles before landing in the ocean between North Korea and Japan, capable of carrying a “large-size heavy nuclear warhead.”

Having known that the underground site has been in existence for some time, U.S. officials noted that military actions for North Korea have recently been updated—these options will be presented to President Trump for a decision to act upon if a nuclear test is indeed to happen.  It is not clear, though, whether military response is the course of action.

U.S. officials say that if a sixth nuclear test is initiated by North Korea, exerting further pressures on North Korea and China will no longer be effective.

It is reported that Trump has cited China, an ally of North Korea’s, “as a key player in U.S. efforts to rein in North Korea’s quest to develop long-range nuclear missiles.  But the U.S. President took to Twitter on Tuesday to offer a grim assessment of China’s role in restraining North Korea: ‘While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out.  At least I know China tried!’”

After the death of Otto Warmbier on Monday, June 19, North Korea pushed its already tense relations with the United States onto thinner ice.  White House press secretary Sean Spicer illustrated that the United States’ cooperation with China in pressuring North Korea has seen “positive movement.”  He says the United States will, “continue to work with them and others to put the appropriate pressure on North Korea to change the behavior of this regime.”

Applying additional stresses on Kim Jong-un and his regime may cause conflict, but the United States cannot allow for their past and recent actions to go unanswered, especially with arising intentions for the world in the future.

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