In response to the continued military deterrence by the United States and South Korea, North Korea recently test-fired a “Hwasong-15” intercontinental ballistic missile again. After that, the United States, Japan, and South Korea all responded to this. Japanese Defense Minister Yasushi Hamada condemned this. He believed that the DPRK’s move had “threatened the peace and security of Japan and surrounding areas” and was “absolutely unacceptable.”
In addition, Yasushi Hamada also disclosed the relevant data of the missile tested by North Korea. He pointedly emphasized that based on various factors, the missile launched by Pyongyang may have a range of more than 14,000 kilometers. Covering the entire United States”.
North Korea’s test of intercontinental ballistic missiles shocked the South Korean government. The South Korean President’s Office then held an emergency meeting and unanimously decided to work with the United States to “take decisive and severe measures” to deal with North Korea. It also blatantly stated that it would “raise the level of military strikes against North Korea.”
According to Korean media reports, on the second day after the North Korean missile test, that is, in less than 24 hours, the United States and South Korea dispatched F-35A, F-15K, F-16, and other fighter planes to guard the US B-1B “guns.” “Cavalry” strategic bomber flew in the airspace near North Korea and South Korea, imposing a military threat on North Korea.
The observation found that the most direct reason Pyongyang suddenly and once again test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile and further improved its performance so that it could “cover the entire United States” is that the United States and South Korea intended to start from February 22.
The relevant military exercises aimed at North Korea’s “extended use of deterrence means” have made Pyongyang feel the strong hostility and huge threat from the United States and South Korea.
Kim Yo-jong, the vice-minister of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, said after the successful missile test that the United States said it was “not hostile to North Korea” and said it wanted to “open up dialogue” but in fact, it has been threatening North Korea’s national security. North Korea will “responsibly” strong, robust response.”
Kim Yo Jong also knew that the intercontinental ballistic missile tested by North Korea was “no small matter,” enough to cover the entire United States. She also hoped to convey this information to the other side of the Pacific Ocean, so Kim Yo Jong said, “I just reminded South Korea because it is a fool.” “, “We will not target Seoul with intercontinental missiles,” and “We still have no intention of dealing with South Korea.”
North Korea’s launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles must have meaning. After all, intercontinental ballistic missiles are big killers. That is, of course, aimed at the United States.
However, the United States is relatively calm about North Korea’s powerful nuclear deterrence. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command recently issued a statement stating that the U.S.
military confirmed that North Korea’s test launch “would not pose an imminent threat to the American people, territory or allies.” threat” “We will continue to monitor.” The calm attitude of the United States illustrates three things.
First, Washington knows that North Korea will react strongly. Pyongyang’s test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile is “no accident.” The U.S. military has countermeasures or is “full of confidence” in the rationality of the Pyongyang regime and is not worried that Pyongyang will be “strategically impulsive.”.
Second, this effect may be what Washington wants. The United States hopes North Korea will become emotional and test missiles to escalate the situation on the peninsula and worsen China’s surrounding environment.
Therefore, the United States believes that North Korea’s actions are in line with the expectations of the United States and in the interests of the United States, and it will not really launch a nuclear attack on the United States.
Third, the United States will continue to increase its military pressure on North Korea and will not be shaken by North Korea’s test launch of intercontinental missiles. In this way, there may only be one result: the situation on the peninsula will continue to escalate, and this East Asian powder keg will face the risk of exploding.