SEOUL – At a time when real missiles are impacting real people and places across Ukraine, North Korea’s test of a colossal intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday failed to make massive international waves.
Although North Korea demonstrated its upgraded capabilities, it is not a strategic game-changer, given that it first tested a missile capable of reaching mainland America in 2017.
But the launch of a missile that can hit the US is significant. It ends half of Kim Jong Un’s self-declared 2018 moratorium on ICBM and nuclear tests. North Korea has not tested a nuclear device since 2017.
Thursday’s launch drew condemnation from Washington and a retaliatory test-firing of multiple missiles from South Korea.
To continue reading, please log in to your AT+ Premium account. Not yet a member? Please signup for AT+ Premium monthly membership, AT+ Premium yearly membership, AT+ Premium yearly membership (educator), AT+ Premium yearly membership (student) or AT+ Premium Access membership.
