North Korea strengthens combat power: Kim tests new high-tech "tactical" weapon

policy

Friday, November 16, 2018

The agreements between the United States and North Korea on nuclear disarmament remain vague. Although US President Trump proudly reports on progress, the process is stalling. Now leader Kim Jong Un loses patience and sends a signal to Washington.

According to the official media, North Korea has tested a new "high-tech" weapon. The Kim Jong Un rule personally oversaw the testing of the new "tactical" weapon, the official KCNA news agency reported. The test was successful. The type of weapon was not mentioned. The new weapon reinforces the defense and "fighting force of our people's army," said KCNA. Kim was "very satisfied" with the test result.

Pyongyang had announced in April the cessation of nuclear weapons and missile testing of North Korea. This has largely contributed to the alleviation of the conflict on the Korean peninsula. In June, Kim and US President Donald Trump met in Singapore for a landmark summit in which North Korea's denuclearization was agreed upon. The agreement, however, has remained vague, since since the meeting, the talks have become bogged down.

A return to nuclear testing or missile testing in North Korea would be a blow to diplomatic efforts. However, initially, there was no reason to expect a test of this type. Instead, the use of the word "tactical" in the description of the new weapon indicates that no long-range ballistic missile and no nuclear explosive device have been used.

Signal in Washington

Yang Moo Jin from the University of North Korea, studies in Seoul, said the test was a "signal to the United States" that North Korea "was losing patience" during the negotiations. Pyongyang calls for a relaxation of sanctions imposed on the country. Washington, on the other hand, first demands a "final, fully verified" denuclearization.

North Korea has significantly advanced its nuclear and missile programs in recent years, in violation of UN resolutions. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and others have repeatedly imposed sanctions on North Korea, even relations with its main ally, China, have cooled considerably. Last year, North Korea launched its sixth nuclear test, the most powerful to date, as well as missiles likely to strike US territory. Since November, there have been more tests. At the beginning of the year, the diplomatic thaw between North Korea and South Korea finally settled. Then there was the rapprochement between Pyongyang and Washington.

Source: n-tv.de