North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has been testing missiles at an unprecedented rate in 2017. Some believe that he is trying to build a weapon that can reach the United States. Others believe that he is trying to create a deterrent against American military action. Either way, it is clear that Kim Jong Un is not afraid to flex his muscles on the international stage.
The main reason for Kim Jong Un testing missiles is to show his power to the people of North Korea and to the world. He wants to show that North Korea is a force to be reckoned with and that they are not afraid to use their military might if necessary. Additionally, Kim Jong Un may be testing missiles in order to gain a better understanding of their capabilities and to find ways to improve their accuracy and range.
Why did North Korea start testing missiles?
The latest nuclear test by North Korea is a clear indication of their capability to counter hostile forces like the US and South Korea. The test comes ahead of the joint military exercises between Washington and Seoul next month, which are designed to help protect against North Korea’s increasing nuclear threats. It is important that all countries work together to try to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, and to ensure that North Korea does not continue to develop its nuclear capabilities.
North Korea believes that the US is using South Korea as a staging ground for an invasion, and the joint military exercises are a dress rehearsal for this invasion. North Korea sees its missile tests as a warning to the US and South Korea, and a way to deter the invasion.
Why is North Korea shooting missiles at Japan
The North’s test-firing of the missiles, which were launched from the country’s east coast, came as Japan’s Cabinet approved a new National Defense Program Guidelines that calls for more investment in longer-range missiles and more spending on defense.
It is unclear what exactly North Korea was protesting with its missile launch, but it is likely that the country is unhappy with Japan’s new security strategy. The launch also comes after North Korea warned that it would take “physical countermeasures” in response to the adoption of the new guidelines.
North Korea has a history of test-firing missiles in protest of perceived threats, and it is possible that Sunday’s launch was simply another way for the country to show its displeasure with Japan’s new security strategy.
The North’s state media said the Saturday launch of what it described as an “ICBM Hwasong-15” missile was a “stern warning” for the United States that it would not be safe from destruction if it dared to upset North Korea.
North Korea’s claim that the missile was capable of delivering a nuclear weapon anywhere in the United States underscores the growing threat the North’s nuclear and missile program poses to the Trump administration and America’s Asian allies, South Korea and Japan.
The North’s latest show of force also appeared aimed at driving a wedge between the United States and South Korea, which are allies. The North has long denounced the annual military training between the United States and South Korea as a rehearsal for an invasion, even though the allies say it is defensive in nature.
The North’s hostile rhetoric in recent days also may be intended to secure more concessions from the United States and South Korea in future negotiations. North Korea has been trying to win concessions such as a halt to the U.S.-South Korean military drills in exchange for steps toward denuclearization, but those negotiations have stalled since the North’s last ICBM test in late November.
Can North Korea hit the US with a nuclear missile?
The Hwasong-14 ballistic missile is a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile that is capable of reaching ranges of up to 8,000km. It has been test-fired on several occasions, with the most recent test taking place in July 2017. The missile is believed to be capable of reaching targets as far away as New York, making it a serious threat to the United States.
Nuclear testing is part of a process that moves Pyongyang closer to miniaturising nuclear warheads to mount on intercontinental ballistic missiles North Korea has well over 1,000 missiles of various ranges.
How does North Korea get money for nuclear weapons?
Missile exports are one of the biggest sources of revenue for North Korea, and their nuclear program is funded largely by these proceeds. This makes stopping North Korean missile exports even more urgent, in order to prevent them from furthering their nuclear program.
According to US intelligence officials, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan allegedly supplied key data, stored on CDs, on uranium enrichment and information to North Korea in exchange for missile technology around 1990–1996. These CDs are said to have been a key factor in North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons.
Can North Korea’s ballistic missile reach the US mainland
This is a very concerning development, as it shows that North Korea is making significant progress in their nuclear capabilities. This is something that the international community will need to closely monitor and take action to prevent, if necessary.
The North Koreans are clearly ramping up their missile program and testing at an unprecedented rate. While it’s not entirely clear what their ultimate goal is, it’s clear that they’re becoming more and more proficient in their ability to launch missiles. This is a potentially dangerous situation that the international community will need to keep a close eye on.
Why is North Korea a threat?
North Korea’s long-range missile and nuclear programs represent the region’s most immediate security challenge. Any major instability or conflict on the Korean Peninsula would have severe strategic, economic and humanitarian repercussions.
The North Koreans have been engaging in secretive and illegal activities in Japan for many years, including drug smuggling, marine poaching, and spying. North Korean missile tests are a particularly worrisome issue for Japan, as the missiles sometimes travel through Japanese airspace and territory. There have been several confrontations between the two nations over these activities, but so far, no lasting resolution has been reached.
Where does North Korea get its missiles from
According to various reports, China has been providing North Korea with dual-use missile-related items, raw materials, and other assistance for many years. It is believed that Chinese technology has been incorporated into North Korea’s Scud, Nodong, and Taepodong missiles, and it is suspected that China has also contributed nuclear expertise.
While China has always denied any involvement in North Korea’s missile program, the evidence seems to suggest otherwise. If true, this would be a major proliferation concern, as it would mean that North Korea has access to more advanced technology than it would otherwise.
It is unlikely that China will change its stance on this issue anytime soon, so the international community will need to find other ways to contain North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
North Korea has an estimated 50 nuclear warheads, which is the fewest among the nine nuclear-armed countries. However, some experts believe that the North Korean government could have up to 116 nuclear warheads. The large discrepancy in estimates is due to the lack of transparency from the North Korean government on their nuclear program. Nevertheless, it is clear that North Korea poses a serious nuclear threat to the international community.
Why does North Korea continue to pursue its nuclear arms program?
It is clear that North Korea feels that it needs to protect itself from its adversarial countries with a nuclear weapons program. For years it has ignored international pressure and sanctions in order to pursue this program. It is a dangerous situation that needs to be closely monitored.
A nuclear attack on US soil would most likely target:
New York: Given its large population and importance as a financial center, New York would be a major target for any country looking to strike the US.
Chicago: As the second most populous city in the US and a major hub for transportation and commerce, Chicago would be a major target for any country looking to strike the US.
Houston: As the fourth most populous city in the US and a major center for the oil and gas industry, Houston would be a major target for any country looking to strike the US.
Los Angeles: As the second largest city in the US and a major center for the entertainment industry, Los Angeles would be a major target for any country looking to strike the US.
San Francisco: As the fifth most populous city in the US and a major center for the technology industry, San Francisco would be a major target for any country looking to strike the US.
Washington, DC: As the capital of the US and the home of numerous government agencies, Washington, DC would be a major target for any country looking to strike the US.
Warp Up
Kim Jong Un is testing missiles in order to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capability that would threaten the United States and other countries. North Korea has been subject to international sanctions for its nuclear and missile tests, and Kim Jong Un is likely testing missiles in defiance of these sanctions. Additionally, by testing missiles, Kim Jong Un is sending a message of strength to both his domestic and international audiences.
The reason for Kim Jong Un testing missiles is unknown, but it could be for a number of reasons. Maybe he is trying to intimidate other countries or show off his military strength. Or perhaps he is preparing for an attack. Whatever the reason, it is a worrying development.
