In a move that has sparked international outcry, North Korea has reportedly launched a satellite, named Malligyong-1, into orbit, following assistance from Russia. This development comes after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September, during which Moscow offered to aid Pyongyang’s space program.
South Korea has yet to confirm the operational status of the satellite, though it suspects that North Korea received significant help from Russia. Following the launch, South Korea announced it would resume surveillance along its border with the North, thereby suspending parts of a 2018 agreement aimed at reducing military tensions between the two Koreas.
International Reactions and Condemnations
The satellite had “accurately” entered orbit, according to the North Korean state news agency KCNA, and Kim Jong Un had personally witnessed the launch. However, the move has been condemned by the United Nations and several countries, including the United States and Japan. The UN, which maintains sanctions on North Korea due to its nuclear missile development, reiterated that any launch using ballistic missile technology is contrary to relevant Security Council resolutions.
The UN Secretary-General urged North Korea to return to its path of denuclearization. The White House labeled the launch a “brazen violation” of UN resolutions, while Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the act, which saw the rocket flying over Japan’s Okinawa prefecture towards the Pacific Ocean. Even so, the Japanese government ordered Okinawan people to seek shelter in response to a temporary emergency notice.
Escalating Tensions in the Region
The launch came earlier than anticipated, outside the nine-day window North Korea had notified Japan about, which was supposed to start on a Wednesday and end on November 30. Japan, South Korea, and the United States had previously urged North Korea not to proceed with the launch, citing violations of UN resolutions.
North Korea’s space agency reportedly used the Sohae launch facility, located in the northwest of the country near the border with China, for the operation. Despite North Korea’s claims of success, verification of the satellite’s functionality remains pending.
If confirmed to be a spy satellite, this would mark North Korea’s third attempt to launch one this year. Previous attempts in May and August failed, with South Korea recovering debris from the first launch and determining that the satellite had “no military utility.”
Implications of the Satellite Launch by North Korea
A spy satellite is a significant asset for Kim Jong Un, allowing him to monitor potential threats and plan military operations more accurately. However, the UN Security Council has banned North Korea from launching satellites, viewing them as a pretext for testing missile technology.
In response to the launch, South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff chief director of operations, Kang Ho-pil, warned that Seoul would take “necessary measures” should the North continue its provocations. Meanwhile, the Japan Coast Guard reported that North Korea had designated three maritime zones for debris from the rocket: two to the west of the Korean Peninsula and one to the southeast of the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
Russia’s Role and Future Developments
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, hinted in September that Moscow could help Pyongyang develop satellites, though it’s still unclear exactly what was promised. This collaboration has raised concerns about increased military cooperation between the two countries, potentially escalating tensions further in the region.
By the end of November, South Korea intends to launch its own spy satellite using a rocket manufactured by the US corporation SpaceX. This initiative is reportedly the first of five spy satellites Seoul plans to deploy into space by 2025, reflecting the growing emphasis on surveillance and intelligence capabilities in the region.
As the international community closely monitors these developments, the implications for regional security and diplomatic relations remain significant. The launch underscores the persistent challenge of addressing North Korea’s missile and nuclear ambitions while maintaining stability in Northeast Asia.
