Japan’s alert warning system of the J series was triggered by the North Korean missile launch in the country’s southwestern Okinawa island. Amidst increasing security threat from North Korea, the government spokesperson of Japan, Hirokazu Matsuno has confirmed that Japan is still not sure of but way to investigate whether the spy satellite entered into orbit around the Earth.
Earlier, Reuters reported that a recording video of the audio of the J-alert system warning the residents of a missile launch by North Korea. Hours later, the official statement came. The official statement seemed to have a vague idea about the satellite of North Korea.
Claim of North Korea
Pyongyang already started to believe that it was able to strike the US mainland with a nuclear weapon. The recent claim of launching the spy satellite over its enemy troops has come just after the state media reported the regime’s first successful launch of the surveillance satellite.
The space agency of North Korea claimed that its Chollima-1 rocket had accurately placed the Malligyong-1 satellite into the Earth’s orbit. While, Japan, South Korea and the US could not confirm if the satellite had entered orbit or not, the claim was enough to increase the tensions in the Korean peninsula.
Signalling military tension in the Korean peninsula
Whether North Korea’s spy satellite could enter the orbit of the Earth, this move will surely intensify escalation between the two Korean countries. The immediate response after this announcement of satellite launching has come from Seoul. Analysts said if the spacecraft works, then it could improve North Korea’s military capabilities significantly. North Korea, with having presence in space areas, can escalate the tension in the region.
The launch of a satellite is the legal right of North Korea. Even under international law, it is not anything that goes against the action of Pyongyang. International law explicitly advocates that any country can initiate the space initiative for military purposes, but the purpose should be self-defence.
Source: KCCI
However, the purpose of North Korea’s current move is the closely monitor the enemy troops, mainly Japan and South Korea. Though, they could not confirm the orbit entering of the spy satellite, South Korea immediately called the launch for a clear violation of the UNSC resolution that prohibits North Korea from using ballistic missile technology for any purpose.
On Wednesday morning, Seoul partially suspended some of the agreements it had with Pyongyang. Especially, the agreement which limits the South’s reconnaissance and surveillance activities along the demilitarized zone of the disputed areas, suspended by Seoul. Analysts point out that will escalate the situation, as North Korea is not willing to show any cooperative attitude towards the others.
Japan’s move
Along with the official statement, Japan’s defence ministry also mentioned that they are analysing the situation. The ministry further added since last year Pyongyang conducted repeated launches using the prohibited ballistic missile technology, which has become a cause of concern for Tokyo.
Apart from the repeated launches, the technological capabilities seem to be improving, which should not be overlooked. PM Kishida highlighted the call for the launch of a satellite is not a mere space technology, rather North Korea is using the missile technology for military purposes, which is a clear violation of the UN resolutions, previously mentioned in this article.
Source: BNN Network
Immediately after the announcement of Pyongyang, Japan issued an order for evacuation to the Okinawa residents. The analysts stated despite having doubts about entering the satellite, the situation will escalate the heat of the Korean peninsula and also for the Indo-Pacific region. The cloud of concern intensifies due to the new announcement of Pyongyang. Kim also vowed to launch more in future, just ignoring the widespread condemnation worldwide.