Diplomat: "As Part of Strategy to Strengthen Deterrence Against North Korea's Long-Range Cruise Missile Launch"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] In diplomatic circles, North Korea's launch of a new long-range cruise missile is analyzed as part of Kim Jong-un, the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, strengthening deterrence strategy.

There is also an intention to raise North Korea's voice and demonstrate its presence through a show of force in response to the trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan to strengthen denuclearization efforts against North Korea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Experts interpret North Korea's launch of the new long-range cruise missile as a scheduled step. Since this year is the first year of North Korea's five-year defense plan, and the review period in October is approaching, there is a context that results must be shown by September.

Professor Lim Eul-chul of the Far East Institute at Gyeongnam National University said, "North Korea is showcasing achievements according to the five-year plan for defense science development and weapons system development presented at the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party, and is signaling continuous development of more powerful weapons,” adding, “The restart of the Yongbyon reactor since early July should also be seen in the same context."

Some suggest that North Korea's intent to strengthen deterrence was significantly stimulated by South Korea's recent successful test launch of an SLBM. This could cause a counterproductive effect that further justifies North Korea's development of new strategic tactical weapons.

North Korea's restart of the Yongbyon reactor and test launches of new missiles are also feared to have considerable negative impacts on South Korea and the United States' efforts to seek humanitarian aid for North Korea.

Professor Kim Dong-yeop of the University of North Korean Studies explained, "The missile North Korea launched this time is scarier than a ballistic missile. Although 1,500 km does not reach the U.S. mainland, it covers parts of Japan and the Okinawa U.S. military bases," adding, "It seems they are trying to increase deterrence against the U.S. forces stationed in Japan through cruise missiles."

There is also an interpretation that this is a strategy to send a message to the United States through a show of force.

Professor Kim Yong-hyun of Dongguk University's Department of North Korean Studies said, "It was a limited show of force directed at the United States, and this show of force can be seen as an attempt by North Korea to assert its presence."

Professor Park Won-gon of Ewha Womans University's Department of North Korean Studies said, "It appears that North Korea chose not to launch a ballistic missile, partly considering the Biden administration's reaction to the ballistic missile on March 25," emphasizing, "Kim Jong-un only ordered this test launch without attending, which reflects his continued focus on benevolent leadership and people-first policies since January, and is judged to be a strategic move that could broaden future relations with the U.S."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.