US Vows Action Against North Korea's Space Rocket Plans Amidst Rising Tensions
Pentagon Assures Decisive Measures Are Prepared
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August 23, 2023
In a strong statement on Tuesday, a spokesperson from the Pentagon asserted that the United States is prepared to take decisive measures to counter any provocations from North Korea. This comes in light of reports indicating that North Korea might be gearing up to launch a space rocket in the near future.
According to official sources, North Korea has informed Japan about its intention to launch a space launch vehicle sometime between Thursday and August 31.
Brigadier General Pat Ryder, addressing a daily press briefing, underlined the unwavering solidarity of the United States with its allies in Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in the face of North Korea's ongoing provocations, including its space program aspirations.
"We are committed to ensuring the security of our homeland and the defense of our allies," Ryder stated, as he was quoted by the Pentagon Press Secretary on August 22.
Ryder further emphasized that close collaboration with Japan and the ROK would persist in promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.
This impending space launch by North Korea follows its previous attempt in late May to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, which failed. The United States expressed stern condemnation of this failed satellite launch, highlighting the shared technology between space rockets and ballistic missiles. Such technology is explicitly forbidden for use or development by North Korea according to multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Amidst these developments, North Korea has issued a warning of a looming "large-scale thermonuclear war" on the Korean Peninsula. This warning coincides with the annual South Korea-US joint military exercise that commenced earlier this week.
In response to North Korea's provocative rhetoric, the defense department spokesperson commented on the potential dangers. However, they also stressed the willingness of the United States to engage in dialogue with North Korea without preconditions, though North Korea has yet to agree to such talks.
The recent trilateral summit held at Camp David has further solidified the commitment to enhanced military cooperation between Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo. The leaders of these nations have agreed to a comprehensive "multi-year trilateral framework" that includes the scheduling of annual multi-domain trilateral exercises.
As a tangible step towards bolstering security, the spokesperson reaffirmed the activation of a "real-time missile warning data" exchange system among the three nations before the year's end. This system is set to enhance communication and coordination in the realm of missile threats.