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https://theconversation.com/north-korea-record-number-of-missile-tests-in-2022-has-raised-fears-of-nuclear-confrontation-with-the-south-197174>
"North Korea began 2023 as it had ended 2022 – with some characteristic
sabre-rattling in the form of missile tests. Having launched more missiles in
2022 than in any other year, on the morning of January 1 this year, North Korea
tested a large new multiple launch rocket system that, according to Supreme
Leader Kim Jong-un, can strike any part of South Korea with tactical nuclear
warheads.
On the same day, Kim called for the North to “exponentially increase” its stock
of nuclear weapons. There has been a substantial reshuffle at the top of the
military, including the dismissal of Kim’s number two, Pak Jong-chon, who has
been replaced by the chief of the general staff, Rim Kwang-il, as part of an
effort to push the military harder to achieve greater readiness and combat
capability.
Recent displays of belligerence by Pyongyang have drawn a swift reaction from
Seoul. After five drones penetrated South Korean airspace (one violating the
no-fly zone over the presidential office in Seoul), the South Korean president,
Yoon Suk-yeol, issued the military with a reprimand for not shooting them down
and ordered a review of the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement with North
Korea.
The agreement established air, land and sea buffer zones to reduce the risks of
armed conflict. Repeated violations of the agreement have led to speculation
that Seoul could cancel the deal.
Analysts in both Seoul and Washington, meanwhile, are watching developments in
Pyongyang carefully, following Kim’s decision in September to update a 2013 law
in relation to its nuclear doctrine, which now mandates an “automatic and
immediate” nuclear response, putting security on the peninsula on a
knife-edge."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
