Kim Jongun Does Not Attend the Test Launch
About a week before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju, North Korea carried out a ballistic missile provocation, claiming to have test-fired two hypersonic vehicles, which it described as a "new weapons system."
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on October 23, "The Missile General Bureau of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully conducted a test of an important weapons system the previous day." The report stated, "Two hypersonic vehicles launched northeastward from Ryokpo District in Pyongyang struck their intended targets in the Koesangbong area of Orang County, North Hamgyong Province."
The agency explained, "The test of the new weapons system is part of the national defense development plan to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential adversaries."
The test launch was observed by Park Jongchun, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, Kim Jeongsik, First Deputy Director, and Jang Changha, Director of the Missile General Bureau. However, North Korean leader Kim Jongun did not make an appearance.
The name and specific specifications of the new weapons system launched this time were not disclosed. However, given that it was described as a hypersonic vehicle, there is speculation that it may be the Hwasong-11ma, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) in the KN-23 series.
According to the agency, Secretary Park stated, "The advanced nature of the new weapons system is clear evidence of the continuous renewal of our self-defensive national defense technology," adding, "Our activities are clearly aimed at continuously strengthening our war deterrence, and the purpose is to enhance our self-defense."
Meanwhile, the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that at around 8:10 a.m. the previous day, North Korea launched several projectiles, presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles, northeastward from the Chunghwa area in North Hwanghae Province. The detected North Korean missiles flew approximately 350 kilometers.
This ballistic missile provocation by North Korea comes about five months after it launched various types of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) on May 8. It is also the first such incident since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration. With just a week left until the Gyeongju APEC Summit, where the possibility of North Korea-U.S. and U.S.-China summits is being discussed, attention is focused on the background of this move.
Hong Min, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, analyzed, "Launching at a time when political and security repercussions are expected, just a week before the APEC Summit, is a move with a strong political intent. The aim is to strongly highlight its position on North Korea-related discussions that may arise at the APEC Summit, and to send a message that, regardless of the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. summit, North Korea is not fixated on dialogue and will continue to focus on strengthening its nuclear capabilities."
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