North Korean Missiles: Japan, US and South Korea Must Cooperate To Promote Restraint

North Korea has repeatedly launched missiles since the beginning of this year. Following the test on Jan. 5, the missile launched on Jan. 11 flew at a hypersonic speed about 10 times the speed of sound, according to the South Korean Ministry of National Defense.

North Korea’s missile technology has improved dramatically in recent years, and there are limits to what can be done through conventional missile defense networks. Japan, the U.S. and South Korea must continue to work together to encourage North Korea to exercise restraint and lead the way to dialogue.

North Korea has repeatedly conducted launch tests of cruise missiles and other types of missiles following the announcement of its five-year plan to increase the capability of national defense at the party convention last January.

This year, the Winter Olympics are scheduled to be held in February in China, a friendly nation. Some predicted that North Korea would refrain from provocation, but it has continued to launch missiles.

There will be a series of important anniversaries in North Korea over the course of this year. Feb. 16 will mark the 80th anniversary of the birth of Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong Un, and April 15 will mark the 110th anniversary of the birth of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung. The South Korean presidential election is also scheduled for March.

North Korea has fallen into economic hardship due to the two-year-long border blockade. By using the anniversaries as an opportunity to take repeated provocative action, North Korea may be trying to suppress the dissatisfaction that has been building up in the country, while at the same time trying to find a clue to improving relations with the U.S. and easing sanctions imposed by the international community.

However, such an approach is counterproductive and will only lead to greater isolation.

The United Nations Security Council held a closed-door emergency meeting on Jan. 10. Prior to the meeting, some countries issued a statement condemning North Korea and urging it to exercise restraint and respond to dialogue. If the missile launches continue, China and Russia, which have shown their sympathy for North Korea, may come to support additional sanctions.

Hypersonic missiles fly at high speed and low altitudes, with warheads capable of maneuvering to hit targets, making it difficult for conventional missile defense networks to intercept them.

In addition to China and Russia, which have been focusing on development in recent years, North Korea’s deployment of hypersonic weapons could change the situation in Northeast Asia. This is a serious situation for both Japan and South Korea, but they have not been able to communicate or exchange information due to conflicts over historical issues.

In order to face North Korea and improve the situation in East Asia, there is an urgent need to improve relations between Japan and South Korea.