North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered an escalation of preparations by the North Korean Army in the disputed waters north of Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea on February 19, 2024. According to the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the North Korean Army conducted a missile test in these waters, which was observed by Kim Jong Un. This marks the sixth missile launch exercise conducted by Pyongyang this year.[1]
The recent missile tests overseen by Kim Jong Un demonstrate North Korea’s determination to enhance its naval capabilities. These actions can be seen as part of Pyongyang’s efforts to bolster its military capacity and assert its regional power. Such tests by North Korea have the potential to adversely affect the military balance in the region and further strain ties with South Korea.
According to the KCNA report, Kim Jong Un “supervised the evaluation test firing of the new type of surface-to-sea missile Padasuri-6 to be equipped by the naval forces” and expressed “great satisfaction” with the results of the test firing. The missiles flew over the East Sea for a certain period of time before reaching their targets. Additionally, Kim accused South Korea of frequently violating the “Northern Limit Line” (NLL), the maritime boundary between the two countries. Kim Jong Un has ordered the North Korean Army to be prepared in the waters north of Yeonpyeong Island and in the NLL area on the western side of the Korean Peninsula.[2]
Particularly noteworthy is Kim Jong Un’s stance on South Korea’s maritime borders. The North Korean leader displays a strong stance, accusing South Korea of violating the maritime boundaries and responding with a firm approach. This reflects North Korea’s desire to tightly defend its maritime borders and assert its sovereignty. However, this stance also increases tension and instability in the region.
According to the KCNA, Kim referred to the de facto border as a “ghost” that has no basis in international law. He stated, “It doesn’t matter how many lines exist in the western sea of North Korea, what is clear is that if the enemy violates our maritime boundaries, we will consider it a violation of our sovereignty and an armed provocation.” Kim also emphasized that Pyongyang will fully defend its maritime sovereignty with the power of weapons and actions, rather than mere words. [3]
In early 2024, the North Korean leader informed the country’s parliament that they would no longer recognize the goal of reconciliation with South Korea and that Pyongyang had abandoned its long-held peaceful objective. Additionally, Kim stated that if South Korea even slightly violated North Korea’s territory, airspace, or waters, it would be considered a provocation for war.[4]
In a separate report, the KCNA stated that Kim also inspected an “important” ammunition factory and received detailed information about the modernization of production. During the visit, Kim emphasized the role of the factory in strengthening North Korea’s armed forces and stated that tasks had been set to improve the quality and increase the production of ammunition in line with the current situation and the requirements of the evolving revolution. Kim’s visit to the ammunition factory coincided with the United States and its allies accusing North Korea of engaging in arms trade with Russia. Last month, the White House stated that Russia had recently attacked Ukraine using short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) supplied by North Korea, and this was confirmed by newly disclosed intelligence.[5]
The diplomatic contacts between North Korea and Russia, along with the strengthening of economic cooperation, can be seen as part of both countries’ efforts to cope with international isolation. Particularly, Russia’s military cooperation opportunities offered to North Korea seem attractive in the face of North Korea’s economic difficulties.
The alleged transfers of ammunition pose a serious threat to regional security and stability. This raises concerns due to the use of weapons against Ukraine and the potential for their redirection to other regions.
Russia’s closer ties with North Korea could potentially impact the regional balance and increase tensions in its relationship with the United States. It is believed that Russia may use its relationship with North Korea as a strategic tool to influence political and economic dynamics in the region and shape power balances.
Understanding North Korea’s maritime security policies is important for the international community. It is crucial to comprehend North Korea’s stance in order to reduce military tensions in the region and promote peaceful solutions. Additionally, effective collaboration among the international community is of critical importance in effectively addressing security threats in the region.
In conclusion, North Korea’s maritime security policies and Kim Jong Un’s actions are significant in terms of regional stability and international security. Understanding and managing these policies effectively is important for reducing tension in the region and promoting peace.
[1] “North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Oversees Test of New Surface-to-Sea Missiles”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/asia-pacific/, (Accession Date: 19.02.2024).
[2] “North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Oversees Test of Surface-to-Sea Missile”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-oversees-test-surface-to-sea-missile-kcna-2024-02-14/, (Accession Date: 19.02.2024).
[3] “North Korea’s Kim Jong Un ‘Supervises Test of Surface-to-Sea Missile’“, France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240215-north-korea-s-kim-jong-un-supervises-test-of-surface-to-sea-missile, (Accession Date: 19.02.2024).
[4] “Kim Watches Missile Tests and Warns that North Korea Will Take an Aggressive Stance in Disputed Seas”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-tensions-kim-jong-un-4d88e4480244c062ee9d2daba663937c, (Accession Date: 19.02.2024).
[5] “North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Oversees Test of New Surface-to-Sea Missiles”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/asia-pacific/, (Accession Date: 19.02.2024).
