A spy satellite is a coveted prize for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Photo by EPA
In a move that has drawn condemnation from neighboring nations, North Korea asserts its successful launch of a military spy satellite, named Malligyong-1. State news agency KCNA reports that the satellite accurately entered orbit, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally observing the launch.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, decries the launch, which passed over Japan’s Okinawa prefecture and continued towards the Pacific Ocean. The White House labels it a “brazen violation” of multiple United Nations resolutions.
The Japanese government issues a brief emergency warning to Okinawa residents to seek shelter. Notably, North Korea had previously attempted and failed to place a military satellite into orbit twice this year, with a third attempt communicated to Japan.
Prime Minister Kishida condemns the launch vehemently, lodging a complaint with North Korea. He emphasizes that utilizing ballistic missile technology for satellite launches is a clear breach of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and a serious concern for the safety of the Japanese people.
The launch occurs earlier than the nine-day window Pyongyang had notified Japan about, beginning on Wednesday and supposed to end on November 30. KCNA, citing the North’s space agency, reports that the Sohae launch facility near the Chinese border facilitated the operation. Verification of North Korea’s claim regarding the successful satellite launch is still pending.
Japan, in collaboration with South Korea and the U.S., expresses strong opposition to the launch, emphasizing its violation of UN resolutions. The Japan Coast Guard identifies designated maritime zones for potential rocket debris, anticipating areas west of the Korean Peninsula and east of the Philippines’ Luzon island.
Kang Ho-pil, chief director of operations at the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, issues a warning that Seoul will take necessary measures should the launch proceed. The United Nations Security Council has consistently prohibited Pyongyang from launching satellites, viewing them as a guise for testing missile technology.
A spy satellite holds strategic importance for Kim Jong Un, enabling enhanced monitoring capabilities and precise plotting of potential attacks. However, the international community remains steadfast in its condemnation of North Korea’s actions. In the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, this move adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate dynamics in the region.
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