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North Korea “The planet’s strongest ICBM”… Are nuclear tests more likely?
[앵커]
North Korea demonstrated the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
He is vocal that he will not step back from strengthening his nuclear force, but attention will be paid to see if North Korea will launch additional provocations in the near future.
This is Reporter Shin Hyun-jung.
[기자]
North Korea has widely reported the success of the Hwasong-17 test launch every day.
The official newspaper of the Labor Party, the Rodong Sinmun, emphasized that the launch of the ICBM “has shaken the world with the power and majesty of the country possessing the strongest intercontinental ballistic missiles on this planet.”
“Unless the US policy of hostility toward North Korea is eliminated, we will not be back even an inch from the path of strengthening our nuclear force,” he predicted.
A North Korean ICBM unit was also mentioned for the first time.
“We will further accelerate the development of our own Juche strategic weapons and strengthen training with a high level of alertness in intercontinental ballistic missile units and all tactical nuclear operating units…”
As long as it is interpreted to mean that North Korea will continue to develop nuclear weapons for the time being, the possibility of additional provocations beyond an ICBM launch remains.
Analysts say the possibility of a seventh nuclear test, which has been discussed since the beginning of the year, is greater than ever.
Following the General Staff Department, which corresponds to the Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, it should be noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also criticized the Korea-US-Japan cooperation system.
“I think now is the time to be a bit nervous. There are quite a few precedents of nuclear tests carried out in North Korea even when the winter passed, so I don’t think it’s time to say no at this time.”
There is a possibility that the timing will be adjusted considering the ripple effect that North Korea will have on the international community.
“It may not be a situation where it is possible or necessary to do a nuclear test after an ICBM launch so quickly… With the (Ukraine) war continuing, the international community’s attention is drawn to North Korea’s nuclear test . It’s about how long it will take.”
Military authorities also believe North Korea is ready for a nuclear test, but political opinion is a variable.
However, experts believe that North Korea will maintain the level of provocation for now, such as launching short-range ballistic missiles until it conducts a nuclear test.
This is Yonhap News TV Shin Hyun-jung. (hyunspirit@yna.co.kr)
#North Korea #intercontinental ballistic missile #ICBM test launch #7th_nuclear
Yonhap News TV article inquiries and reports: Kakao Talk/Line jebo23
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