Let Me Launch One, Huh?
North Korea launches test missile amid growing concern over regional stability
North Korea on Wednesday launched what is being claimed by state media as a new “hypersonic missile”. The missile contains a new fuel transport method that allows for a more successful launch in freezing winter temperatures.
The missile was launched successfully, landing between the Korean peninsula and Japan, bringing condemnation from Seoul and Tokyo. It was initially reported by the Japanese coast guard early on Wednesday, before being confirmed by defence authorities in Seoul.
The latest launch, the first of since October 2021, comes following DPRK leader Kim Jong Un’s New Year speech in which he stated Pyongyang would be “bolstering weapons capabilities” in 2022.
According to Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Nuclear Policy program, the missile appears to be a new liquid-fueled Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MARV) ballistic missile.
On Thursday the leaders of Australia and Japan met virtually to sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement. The RAA is a landmark treaty which opens a new chapter for advanced defence and security cooperation. This treaty is the result of years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, who seek to create a more peaceful and stable Asia Pacific.
Prime Minister Morrison and Prime Minister Kishida also discussed the ongoing and emerging issues in the region. The two leaders condemned North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, reiterating their commitment to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles of all ranges of North Korea.
The launch by North Korea is in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and poses a great threat to neighbouring countries.