North Korea fires at least 10 missiles, one lands close to the territorial waters of the South for the first time since the 1945

The latest missile launch by North Korea was its 29th this year, according to a punt maintained by a section of the media. It consisted of at least 10 missiles. One of these landed close to the territorial waters of South Korea. It was the first incident since the division of the peninsula in 1945. There was also an air raid warning on an island located about 120 kilometers east of the peninsula. It was later lifted. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul said one short-range ballistic missile landed in international waters 167 kilometers northwest of South Korea’s Ulleung Island. This is about 26 kilometers south of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) that is the de facto inter-Korean maritime border. North Korea does not recognize it. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described the North Korean test as an “effective territorial encroachment.” In an immediate response, South Korea launched three air-to-surface missiles from F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets according to JCS. North Korean missile lands close to South Korean waters for first time in decades. JCS explained that the South Korean Air Force targeted international waters north of the NLL at an equal distance to that which the North Korean missile had earlier landed south of the line. He added - “Our military’s precise strike showed our will to firmly respond to any North Korean provocations including short-range ballistic missile, and our capability and readiness to precisely target the enemy.”

This sort of aggressive accelerating in weapons testing by Pyongyang has sparked alarm in the region. The United States, South Korea and Japan responded with missile launches and joint military exercises. The United States and South Korea began previously scheduled large-scale military exercises called “Vigilant Storm.” These involve 240 aircraft and “thousands of service members” from both countries. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would meet with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup at the Pentagon. In the opinion of experts, Kim Jong-un could be sending across a message of sorts. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned last week that Pyongyang could be preparing for a nuclear test – its first since 2017. This was because satellite imagery showed activity at its underground nuclear test site. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He called for a National Security Council meeting on priority in view of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

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The United States, Japan and South Korea warn North Korea about serious consequences of any nuclear test

The United States and its allies Japan and South Korea spoke in one voice and warned North Korea against any further nuclear test. They said any violation would warrant an "unprecedentedly strong response." The three vowed unity following launch of a number of missiles from the hermit kingdom. Foreign ministers of the three nations held talks in Tokyo and believe they could boost their deterrence in the region. South Korea's Cho Hyun-dong said - "We agreed to further strengthen cooperation ... so that North Korea can immediately stop its illegal activities and return to denuclearization talks.” He went on to explain to members of the media - "The three countries agreed on the need for an unprecedentedly strong response if North Korea proceeds with its seventh nuclear test." Seoul and Washington have repeatedly warned that Pyongyang could be close to testing an atomic bomb for the first time since 2017. This came after a number of launch of ballistic missiles. One of these flew over Japan last month. The North has separately claimed that it had carried out tactical nuclear drills. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman says – “All of this behavior is reckless and deeply destabilizing." She urged North Korea to "refrain from further provocations." North Korea put on notice: Nuclear test would draw "unprecedentedly strong" response.

According to a section of the media, Sherman laid stress on the fact that the commitment of the U.S. to the security of South Korea and Japan is "ironclad.” She went on to add that the U.S. would "use the full range of U.S. defense capabilities to defend our allies, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities." Incidentally, last month Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea had declared the country an "irreversible" nuclear power, effectively ending negotiations over his banned arms programs. He had met three times with President Biden's predecessor Donald Trump. It did reduce tensions but did not result in any lasting agreement. The country has also shown little interest in taking up President Biden's offer of working-level talks.

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Kim Jong-un attends opening ceremony of new massive greenhouse farm, Ryonpho Greenhouse

Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, attended the opening ceremony of a greenhouse farm. It was built on a former air base where the country had test-fired missiles until last year. It is the Ryonpho Greenhouse Farm touted as one of the country's largest vegetable farms. It is expected to address the problems of food shortages. North Korea used the farmhouse for launching several short-range ballistic missiles. These included the KN-25s in November 2019 and the suspected KN-23s in March 2021. The state media says Kim Jong-un attended the event after guiding the officials on nuclear tactical exercises. The hermit kingdom kept carrying out nuclear exercises targeting South Korea. It was in order to counter recent joint naval drills by the forces of South Korea and the United States. Kim Jong attends opening ceremony of greenhouse farm built on former missile test site. The location of the farmhouse is in the eastern countryside of Hamju. Its launch was to mark the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, a major holiday in North Korea.

The project to transform Ryonpho air base was unveiled in December last year. It was a top priority project to improve the lives of people. Using it as a model, the leader has plans to move ahead with the overall rural development of the country. According to the official KCNA news agency, the farm has more than 850 blocks of modern greenhouses. The total area covered is 280 hectares. It will be harmonised with some 1,000 houses, schools and cultural and service facilities. The agency says - "Kim John has spearheaded the farm initiative to boost vegetable supplies and praised soldiers and workers for completing the construction in just a few months.” He has also issued instructions to larger farms, increase the variety of vegetables and ensure scientific, industrialized production and management at those farms.

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America imposes fresh sanctions on North Korea after it conducts more ballistic missile tests

Within the last two weeks, North Korea has launched as many as six missiles. This happened within the past two weeks and the western world is worried. In view of this situation, the US has imposed fresh sanctions on the hermit kingdom. The US Treasury and State Department announced this. These would target two individuals and three entities. They have links to the delivery of refined petroleum to the DPRK. Such an action directly supports the development of DPRK weapons programs and its military. Secretary of State Antony Blinken disclosed this and provided details. The targets indicated by the Treasury Department are two Singapore registered companies and an entity registered in the Marshall Islands associated with illicit ship-to-ship (STS) transfers to circumvent UN sanctions. US imposes new sanctions connected to North Korea following spate of missile tests. Blinken explained that the purpose of this action is to send a clear message that the U.S. “will continue to take actions against those who support the development and sustainment of the DPRK’s military and weapons arsenal.”

The activities of North Korea vis-à-vis aggressive acceleration in weapons testing has become a matter of concern for South Korea and Japan. They along with the US responded with missile launches and joint military exercises. The US has also redeployed an aircraft carrier into waters near the peninsula. This is a move described by South Korean authorities as “very unusual.” Blinken warned that if North Korea continues “down this road” of provocation “it will only increase the condemnation, increase the isolation and increase the steps that are taken in response to their actions.” Incidentally, these recent tests have added to the concerns of the administration. It feels these could be in preparation of Kim Jong-un overseeing his nation’s seventh nuclear test.

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China warns America of "counter-measures" following huge arms sale to Taiwan

The Biden administration approved a huge arms sale to Taiwan. China is seeing red. It has warned the United States of "counter-measures" following the approval of the arms sales to Taiwan. An official of the Chinese embassy said China was "firmly opposed" to the sales. It feels such an action will "severely jeopardize China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Washington should take action to revoke them immediately. The proposed arms sale includes anti-ship and air-to-air missiles. The State Department explained that the sales are in conformity with a longstanding US policy of providing defensive weapons to Taiwan and described the "swift provision" of such arms as being "essential for Taiwan's security." China, on its part, accused the US of interfering in what it sees as its internal affairs. Taiwan is a self-governing democracy but China claims it to be a part of its territory. It has also vowed to "reunify" the island with the Chinese mainland. They want to do it forcibly, if necessary. China warns of 'counter-measures' as US approves $1.1bn arms sales to Taiwan.

Tensions between the United States and China have increased after spiked the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan last month. China had warned Pelosi against making the trip but she went ahead with the visit. China responded by ordering military drills around the island after her departure. As to the latest arms sale to it, Taiwan expressed thanks to the US government. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the country’s determination to defend itself is extremely firm. Incidentally, Taiwan's military recently shot down a drone that was hovering over one of its island outposts just off the Chinese coast on Thursday. Subsequently, Taiwan had to take action to warn off drones hovering over three of the islands it occupies off the coast of the Chinese port city of Xiamen.

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South Korea updates operational plans to counter nuclear and missile threats from the North

During his first visit to a military bunker in the capital Seoul, South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol said that this would serve as a command post in the event of a war. He gave orders for an update of the military's operational plans. This is necessary for his country to address the growing nuclear and missile threats of the North. His visit was significant because it coincided with the beginning of military drills by the armed forces of South Korea and the United States. These would be the largest in years. Renamed as Ulchi Freedom Shield these would conclude on Sep 1. The exercises involve the first field training between the two militaries since 2017. These were subsequently scaled back amid the COVID-19 pandemic and an effort to improve relations with North Korea. South Korea's Yoon orders update of war plans over North Korea's threats. President Yoon made it clear that the current drills were conducted under a changed scenario. He also added that the operational plans reflect North Korea's evolving threats.

During his visit, the President told commanders that there is an urgent need to ensure safety of the lives and properties of the people. These would include updating operational plans against nuclear and missile threats of North Korea. He also mentioned that these are gradually becoming a reality. Another point he made referred to the so-called "Kill Chain" system. Its design can launch preemptive strikes against the missiles of North Korea in case of an imminent attack. This year, its missile tests are progressing at an unprecedented pace. It seems it is ready to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 at short notice. Last week it launched two cruise missiles from the west coast.

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North Korea reactivates its missile programs

After a brief lull, North Korea appears to have reactivated its missile program. It seems the North fired two cruise missiles towards the sea off its west coast recently. The country has been pursuing its missile programs in spite of sanctions against it by the global community. This had been imposed in order restrict the nuclear ambitions of the hermit kingdom and maintain peace in the Korean Peninsula. However, North Korea appears to be determined to pursue the testing of its missiles irrespective of consequences. The latest launch appears to be the first one by the secretive country since 8 June. At that time, it had conducted test of eight short-range ballistic missiles. North Korea fires two cruise missiles as South Korea leader calls for diplomacy. This comes even as South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed concern over the weapons program of its neighbor. The president of South Korea called for diplomatic procedures in an effort to create an atmosphere of sustainable peace.

During a news conference, President Yoon Suk-yeol made it clear that he was not in favor of bringing any political change in the North by force. Simultaneously, he urged North Korea to return to dialogue that would open the doors towards denuclearization. Such a step would result in economic benefits. Incidentally, Kim Jong-un, the leader of the North, has claimed about mobilizing his country’s nuclear war deterrent. He has also added that North Korea was prepared for any potential military conflicts with not only the United States but also South Korea. He went to the extent of criticizing the new president Yoon Suk-yeol for the first time and cautioned that Seoul was pushing towards the brink of war.

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Chinese missile tactics force Taiwan to reroute ships and cancel international flights

China fired missiles near Taiwan as part of its military drills. This follows a visit by senior US politician Nancy Pelosi to the island. Multiple missiles fell into the waters around the country. Japan called for an "immediate stop" to the exercises. This ongoing tension between China and Taiwan has disturbed shipping and flights from Taiwan. Many ships had to re-route their services. This could lead to delays in receipt of consignments and consequential impact on supply lines. The impact would be global. Similarly, for flights from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport. It canceled more than 50 international flights. Incidentally, the US does not officially recognize Taiwan. However, it continues to sell weapons to it for self-defiance. The brief visit of Nancy Pelosi to the country led to a rise in tensions. She is now in Japan as a part of her Asian tour. China fires missiles near Taiwan after Pelosi visit

China justified the launch of ballistic missiles by saying they were key training sessions. These included naval, land and aerial exercises as informed by the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command. The defense ministry of Taiwan retaliated by activating its defense systems to monitor the situation. The foreign affairs of Taiwan accused China of imitating the tactics of North Korea by intentionally test-firing missiles into waters near other countries. Japan also echoed the sentiments of Taiwan. Its Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said - "We strongly condemn the act as it is a serious issue concerning Japan's security and the safety of Japanese people,"

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Ukraine plans missile tests, Russia responds by sending warships to the Black Sea

Ukraine has begun two days of missile tests near Crimea and it has angered Russia in a fresh escalation of tensions between the two countries. Russia has retaliated by putting its air defence forces on high alert and deploying warships in the Black Sea.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 1 Dcember 2016.

It may be recalled that relations between the one-time allies had collapsed in 2014 when Russia seized Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Regarding the present escalation of tension is attributed to Ukraine trying to bolster its defence capabilities and testing S-300 medium-range surface-to-air missiles. As the head of the Ukrainian military's southern branch press-service has explained - the exercise is to gain experience in using these anti-aircraft missile systems and to check the quality of the rockets. These rockets had been repaired. Another reason is to improve the skills of the anti-aircraft missile troop units. He has added that the tests are being carried out in accordance with international law.
It seems Russian President Vladimir Putin has deployed 55,000 troops on the Ukrainian border in Russia's latest muscle-flexing exercise. This sudden influx of feet on the ground adds to up to 7,500 Russian soldiers already stationed in Ukraine. This has prompted fears of an invasion.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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