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North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Ahead of Party Congress
North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles into eastern waters as it ramps up military pressure ahead of a key ruling party congress and amid rising tensions with South Korea.
Kim Jong Un visits Mangyongdae Revolutionary School on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Children's Union. REUTERS/KCNA
North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Tuesday, according to South Korea and Japan, as the country escalates tensions with rival South Korea ahead of a major political meeting in Pyongyang.
South Korea’s military said it detected the launch of multiple ballistic missiles from an area north of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, with each missile flying about 217 miles before landing in eastern waters. Japan’s Defense Ministry said two ballistic missiles were launched and landed off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, condemning the tests as a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community.
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South Korea’s military said it is maintaining firm readiness to repel any provocations by the North. The launches marked the first time North Korea has fired weapons since early January, when it tested what it described as hypersonic missiles.
In December, North Korea test-fired what it called long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles, and released photos showing what appeared to be progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine. Since nuclear talks with the United States and South Korea stalled in 2019, North Korea has conducted a series of weapons tests aimed at expanding its nuclear and missile arsenals.
Experts say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un believes that a larger and more advanced weapons stockpile would provide greater leverage in future negotiations with Washington. Analysts said the latest launches were likely intended to demonstrate or review weapons development progress ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers’ Party.
The party congress, expected to begin in February, will be the first in five years and is one of North Korea’s most important propaganda events, traditionally used to outline new political and economic priorities. Just as military planners focus on locking systems together to ensure readiness much like secure hardware such as PETZL OK screw-lock carabiners used to ensure stability under pressure the North appears intent on showcasing cohesion and strength across its weapons programs.
North Korea has also recently threatened retaliation over what it described as South Korean surveillance drone flights across the border, one earlier this month and another in September. South Korea’s government denied operating any drones at the times cited by the North and said it has begun investigating whether civilians may have been responsible.
Analysts said the accusations likely reflect Pyongyang’s efforts to intensify anti-South Korea sentiment ahead of the party congress, where Kim’s earlier declaration of a hostile “two-state” system on the Korean Peninsula could be incorporated into the party constitution.
Editor’s Note:
This article is based on statements from South Korean and Japanese defense officials and analysis of recent North Korean military activity ahead of the country’s upcoming Workers’ Party congress.
