North Korea has announced plans to launch a rocket carrying its second military spy satellite, drawing strong rebukes from South Korea and Japan. The launch is set to take place over an eight-day period starting Monday, in violation of U.N. resolutions.
The notification of the planned launch coincided with a trilateral meeting between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Seoul. Japan's coast guard was informed by North Korea about the planned launch of a 'satellite rocket,' with cautionary warnings issued for maritime safety in the region.
North Korea's intended launch is believed to be aimed at deploying its second military spy satellite into orbit. The U.N. prohibits North Korea from conducting satellite launches, viewing them as a cover for testing long-range missile technology.
South Korea and Japan have strongly condemned the planned launch, with President Yoon emphasizing that any use of ballistic missile technology by North Korea would violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and threaten regional peace and security.
Japan, South Korea, and the United States have called on North Korea to cancel the launch, with South Korea mobilizing fighter jets for a demonstration of readiness in response to potential provocation. Japanese missile interceptors are on standby to address any debris from the rocket that may fall on Japanese territory.
North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite last November as part of efforts to establish a space-based surveillance network. The country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has expressed plans to launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024.
Experts remain skeptical about the military effectiveness of North Korean satellites but acknowledge that operating multiple satellites could enhance the country's monitoring capabilities. The latest launch notification to Japan indicates that North Korea may reuse previous rocket stages for the upcoming launch.
North Korea's recent missile tests have raised concerns, prompting increased security cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. The country's pursuit of an expanded weapons arsenal is seen as a strategy to strengthen its diplomatic leverage.
