The self-declared nuclear power North Korea has again fired a short-range missile into the open sea, according to the South Korean military. The missile was shot down from Chagang province on the border with China and flew towards the Sea of Japan, said the General Staff in South Korea. At first it was unclear how far it flew and what type of missile it was. Observers suspect, however, that it was a ballistic missile that could also carry a nuclear warhead. The two neighbors Japan and South Korea were alarmed. The US accused North Korea of a “threat” to the international community.
Political power poker
Apparently, North Korea is following its long-known pattern: The missile tests are intended to serve as leverage in power poker with the USA. North Korea has wanted to force an end to US-led economic sanctions for years and is demanding that the US put an end to military maneuvers in South Korea. Dictator Kim Jong-un feels directly threatened by these annual exercises. His plan was to test a missile every now and then, and it should lead directly to the negotiating table.
The USA and China also want to negotiate in principle. Because nobody is very interested in a nuclear armed North Korea. In fact, one hears from Seoul, all parties should speak carefully to one another. Above all, US President Joe Biden has to think about how he wants to deal with the North Koreans. One thing is certain: everyone wants to save themselves a spectacle like that with Donald Trump. Trump called Kim a “friend” and even said they fell in love. That should be enough to dissuade North Korea from its nuclear plans. It didn’t help.
