20 Oct 2021

“The missile was showcased during the North's military exhibition on Oct. 11, and the regime launched it soon after the showcase. Though the North fired a tactical weapon this time, it also showed a missile assumed to be an ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile]. This means that the North is asserting that it may test an ICBM, spoiling the current move for a declaration to officially end the Korean War, unless the U.S. or South Korea agrees to its demands. If the North tests an ICBM, the U.S. will see it as the regime crossing a red line. Given this, Pyongyang appears to be escalating the tension to just below that level to maximize its leverage in talks.”

www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/1...
Type of Source: News

Shin Jong-woo

   Researcher

Senior researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum

Contexts (to suggest a new Context click here)

North Korea - South Korea relations

North Korea and the use of missiles to maximize its leverage in talks with the US

North Korea missile program

South Korea - North Korea end-of-war declaration - Considerations

US - North Korea relations