US "Unusual Disclosure of North Korea's Missile Defense Posture Upgrade"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command announced on the 9th (local time) that it has strengthened surveillance and reconnaissance activities and upgraded missile defense posture on the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea's recent consecutive missile provocations.

In a statement on the same day, the Indo-Pacific Command condemned North Korea's successive ballistic missile launches, including those on the 5th Korean time, saying, "The United States condemns the recent successive ballistic missile launches by North Korea, including on the 5th Korean time." It defined these launches as violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and threats to North Korea's neighboring countries and the international community.

It also stated, "We have clearly expressed concern over the significant increase in North Korea's missile test launches, which undermine peace and security and destabilize the regional and international community," adding, "On the 7th, the Indo-Pacific Command ordered enhanced IRS (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) collection in the West Sea and strengthened our BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense) readiness posture in the region."

The public disclosure of such orders by the Indo-Pacific Command is considered unusual. Some interpret this as a kind of warning, given that North Korea has effectively lifted the moratorium on nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launches earlier this year.

John Kirby, the Department of Defense spokesperson, mentioned the Indo-Pacific Command's orders during a press briefing on the same day, stating, "Actions speak louder than words," and added, "We have been clear about what our concerns are and what actions we are taking regarding those concerns."

Meanwhile, John Aquilino, Commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, revealed in written materials submitted ahead of the House Armed Services Committee hearing that North Korea may resume space activities this year. Glenn VanHerck, Commander of the U.S. Northern Command, responsible for defense missions in North America including the U.S., also appeared before the House Armed Services Committee the previous day and mentioned that North Korea might soon conduct a new ICBM test launch.

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