It can be said that the Asia-Pacific is highly complex. Undoubtedly, North Korea’s presence in the region is one of the most important reasons for that. As a matter of fact, while there are many problematic issues in the region such as the South China Sea, Taiwan, the Kuril Islands, the Dokdo and Takeshima Islands, which are favourable to create crises on a global scale, North Korea constitutes the central pillar of this equation in the nuclear security dimension. Indeed, the nuclear threat posed by the Pyongyang regime causes serious and significant concerns both regionally and globally.
In this context, North Korea’s largest-ever “intercontinental ballistic missile demonstration” on 9 February 2023 was described as a major challenge to the United States of America (USA). The number of long-range missiles displayed in the parade caused concern in the Western media, with analysts noting that many missiles, theoretically capable of striking as far as the US mainland, could potentially overpower US nuclear defences if each carried multiple warheads.[1]
It is known that North Korea has been increasing its nuclear power and intercontinental ballistic missile tests as part of the country’s Juche policy. This policy aims to make the country economically, politically and militarily self-sufficient. The reason is that Pyongyang does not want foreign aid or foreign dependence on any grounds. Because an important pillar of this policy and goals is nuclear power. Therefore, the Pyongyang administration is making very significant nuclear breakthroughs. As nuclear power constitutes a critical stage of military independence.
Moreover, North Korea bases its foreign policy mainly on nuclear empowerment and opposition to the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). This situation disturbs pro-Western regional states such as South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, and these states have been conducting various practices in the region. However, these exercises further provoke Pyongyang.
Considering all these factors, it can be argued that North Korea will not give up its current policies. The development in question can also be read in this framework. This means that as long as the Western influence in the Asia-Pacific continues, North Korea will increase both its nuclear power and missile tests.
At this point, it can be said that South Korea is one of the states that closely feels the danger posed by Pyongyang. The reasons for this may include the geopolitical position of the country, its geographical proximity to North Korea and historical problems. In this regard, Seoul sees the US deterrence as the only hope. Therefore, Seoul and Pyongyang have had significant problems since the past. At the same time, the advantage of South Korea’s geographical location for the West is also an important factor in the magnitude of the perceived danger. It can be said that these reasons push South Korea to take military measures against North Korea’s actions.
Indeed, on 2 March 2023, the South Korean Army, together with US special operations forces, announced the completion of the month-long “Teak Knife” exercises, which began in early February of the same year and envisaged infiltration and precision attacks on key targets in North Korea, in order to give a clear warning to North Korea. It was also stated in the announcement that the Chief of the General Staff, General Kim Seung-kyum, visited Gyeonggi Province, the city of Pyeongtaek and Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Bases, where these exercises took place. In addition, it was underlined that the main purpose of the exercises was to enable South Korean and US special forces to master their missions in case of war, including precision attacks on core facilities, infiltration into enemy territory and hostage rescue operations.[2]
As can be understood from the aforementioned example, South Korea, which was in the US military operational area in the post-Cold War period, is in cooperation and partnership with the US against North Korea. However, such developments mutually increase tensions and deepen the threat perceptions of the parties, leading to a security dilemma.
In conclusion, it does not seem possible to resolve the nuclear tension in the Korean Peninsula in particular and in the Asia-Pacific in general through North Korea in the short term. Moreover, these conflicts open the door for the US and its Western allies to increase their activities in the region.
[1] “North Korea Parades Largest Long-Range Missile Array”, British Broadcast Corporation, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64577925, (Date of Accession: 15.04.2023).
[2] “South Korea Discloses Special Forces Drills With US in Warning to North Korea”, Asia News Network, https://asianews.network/south-korea-discloses-special-forces-drills-with-us-in-warning-to-north-korea/, (Date of Accession: 15.04.2023).
