North Korea

Failed Negotiation with US–North Korea Launches Another Type of Missile

North Korea test-fired a new variety of tactical guided weapon as a possible sign of its displeasure with unfinished nuclear talks with the United States. North Korea’s latest weapons test emphasized the sensitivity around confronting North Korea’s vast arsenal of missiles.

While Washington is preoccupied with North Korea’s attempt to build nuclear-tipped ICBMs, South Korea, and Japan worry more about its short- and medium-range missiles. These missiles also target American military bases in the region, which serve as launching pads for American reinforcements should conflict break out on the Korean Peninsula.

According to North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong Un observed the undefined weapon launched by the Academy of Defense Science. The development of the weapon system serves as an event of very weighty significance in increasing the combat power of the People’s Army, the North Korean leader said.

The test appears that it is not a banned type of missiles that could destroy negotiations. It only allows North Korea to show its people that it is pushing forward with weapons development while assuring domestic military officials worried that diplomacy with the United States signs weakness.

The test comes during an obvious delay in nuclear disarmament talks after the failed summit in Vietnam between North Korean leader and the US President last February.