North Korea Plans Rocket Launch for Second Military Spy Satellite

North Korea plans to launch a rocket carrying its second military spy satellite by next week, sparking strong condemnations from South Korea and Japan. The launch, banned by UN resolutions, coincides with a key trilateral meeting in Seoul.

On Monday, North Korea announced plans to launch a rocket carrying its second military spy satellite by early next week. This announcement has drawn swift and strong condemnations from neighboring countries, South Korea and Japan. The launch, which is banned under UN resolutions, coincides with a trilateral meeting in Seoul between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Japan's coast guard reported receiving a notification from North Korea about the planned launch of a "satellite rocket." The alert advises caution in waters between the Korean Peninsula and China, as well as east of the Philippine island of Luzon, from Monday until midnight on June 3. Japan's coast guard, responsible for maritime safety information in East Asia, disseminates this launch information.

South Korea's military detected signs of preparations for a satellite launch at North Korea's main Tongchangri launch facility. The UN prohibits North Korea from conducting satellite launches, viewing them as veiled tests of long-range missile technology. However, North Korea insists on its right to launch satellites and test missiles, arguing that spy satellites are crucial for monitoring U.S. and South Korean activities and enhancing the precision of its nuclear-capable missiles.

President Yoon condemned any North Korean launch using ballistic missile technology, stating it would violate UN Security Council resolutions and threaten regional and global peace. He emphasized the need for a stern international response if North Korea proceeds with the launch. Prime Minister Kishida also urged North Korea to cancel its plans. Premier Li did not address the issue directly, reflecting China's complex relationship with North Korea.

Senior diplomats from Japan, South Korea, and the United States held phone talks on Monday, agreeing to urge North Korea to abandon the launch. South Korea's Unification Ministry labeled the planned satellite launch a "provocation" that threatens regional security.

North Korea's first military reconnaissance satellite was launched last November as part of its strategy to develop a space-based surveillance network. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024. While the effectiveness of North Korea's satellites in producing militarily valuable imagery is debated, experts suggest that multiple satellites could improve North Korea's ability to monitor significant targets continuously.

The launch notification identifies the same potential danger zones for rocket debris as previous launches, indicating the use of the same rocket stages. Missile expert Chang Young-keun from the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy noted that launching three satellites this year would enhance North Korea's surveillance capabilities over South Korea, Japan, and the US Pacific territory of Guam.

Since 2022, North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests to modernize and expand its arsenal, prompting the US, South Korea, and Japan to strengthen their security cooperation. Experts believe North Korea aims to use its expanded arsenal to gain leverage in future diplomatic negotiations with the US.

North Korea was not on the official agenda for Monday's trilateral meeting, but President Yoon discussed North Korea's nuclear program and military ties with Russia in a bilateral meeting with Premier Li on Sunday. Yoon urged China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. Despite international pressure, China is suspected of not fully enforcing UN sanctions on North Korea and providing covert aid to support its neighbor.

Extra information from the internet reveals that North Korea's satellite launches are part of a broader strategy to enhance its military surveillance and maintain its regime's stability. The international community remains concerned about the implications of North Korea's growing technological capabilities and the potential for increased tensions in the region.