New ICBM Launch... Kim Jong-un: "Nuclear Hegemony Irreversible"
South Korea-US Diplomatic and Defense Talks... "Firm Commitment to Denuclearization"
Russian Deployed Soldiers Likely to Be Combat-Ready Soon
North Korea showcased its 'final complete version' intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ahead of the U.S. presidential election. While North Korea celebrated the missile launch, South Korean and U.S. foreign and defense chiefs discussed the deployment of North Korean troops and responses to nuclear threats.
North Korea has announced the successful test launch of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-19, and released footage of the missile launch. [Image source=Yonhap News]
According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 1st, North Korea's Missile General Bureau successfully test-fired the new ICBM 'Hwasong-19' under the guidance of Chairman Kim Jong-un the previous day. Chairman Kim praised, "We have shown the world that the hegemonic position we have secured in the development of similar nuclear delivery systems is absolutely irreversible."
The agency introduced the Hwasong-19 missile as the "final complete version intercontinental ballistic missile to be operated together with the Hwasong-18," emphasizing it as "the primary core strategic means to safeguard national security." Considering the color and shape of the flames in the launch footage released by North Korea, it is estimated that solid fuel was used.
On the 31st (local time) in Washington, D.C., USA, the ministers of both countries held a joint press conference after concluding the 6th Korea-US Foreign and Defense (2+2) Ministerial Meeting. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the same day, the '6th South Korea-U.S. Foreign and Defense (2+2) Ministerial Meeting' was held in Washington, D.C. When asked about possible Russian involvement in the ICBM launch, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin responded, "There are no signs of involvement."
However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken projected at a joint press conference that North Korean soldiers deployed within days might be sent into combat. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun reaffirmed the goal of North Korea's complete denuclearization and repeatedly emphasized their commitment to responding.
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