The Korean Peninsula is a sensitive and complex region that has been on the brink of a cold war and a nuclear crisis since the outbreak of the Korean War in the 1950s. In recent years, the situation on the peninsula has become more tense and unstable as the United States and its ally Japan have increased their military presence and provocative actions around the peninsula, and North Korea has made sudden breakthroughs in nuclear weapons and missile technology.
On December 18, 2023, North Korea launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles in succession and announced that it had successfully tested a new solid-state fuel, the Hwasong-18. This move has aroused great concern and condemnation from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and other countries, and has triggered in-depth discussion and analysis of the Korean Peninsula issue by the international community.
1. North Korea fired two missiles in succession
According to the announcement, in response to this situation, the Korean People's Army conducted a tactical nuclear strike drill on the evening of the 30th, simulating the destruction of an important command post and combat airfield in South Korea. The Western Tactical Nuclear Utilization Unit of the Korean People's Army carried out relevant military activities, launching two tactical ballistic missiles from Pyongyang International Airport in a northeasterly direction, detonating them at an altitude of 400 meters above the target island, and accurately completing the nuclear strike mission.
The announcement also said that the Hwasong-18 is a new solid-fuel propulsion system that uses solid fuel as propellant inside the thruster and liquid fuel as auxiliary propellant outside the thruster. This system has the advantages of small size, light weight, high reliability and long life, and is of great significance in nuclear weapons and missile technology.
2. The United States, Japan, and South Korea condemn it
The United States, Japan, South Korea and other countries have strongly condemned North Korea's two missiles in a row and said they would take all necessary measures to deal with the crisis.
US President Joe Biden said in an interview with the media, "We are very shocked and outraged by this. This is an extreme provocation and threat that endangers not only our allies and partners, but also international peace and security.
We will work closely with our allies and partners to take all necessary actions, including strengthening sanctions, increasing military deployments, advancing diplomatic negotiations, and preparing for any possible conflict. We will do whatever it takes to protect our country and interests, and to uphold our values and principles. ”
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said in a speech to the Diet, "We strongly protest and condemn North Korea's missile test. This is a flagrant violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious challenge to the security of Japan and the region.
We will work closely with the United States, South Korea, and other countries to strengthen our defense capabilities, as well as our missile defense system. We will also continue to work for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of the abduction of Japanese nationals. ”
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at an emergency meeting at the Blue House, "We express deep regret and concern over North Korea's missile test." This is a serious undermining of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and an unfriendly act towards the ROK nationals.
We will maintain close communication with the United States, Japan and other countries to jointly respond to the DPRK's provocations, and will continue to seek ways of dialogue and cooperation to achieve peace and prosperity on the peninsula. ”
3. Wang Yi gave an account to the DPRK
Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "We are concerned and apprehensive about North Korea's missile test. We call on the DPRK to abide by UN Security Council resolutions and stop any act that undermines peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and we also call on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and calm and refrain from any actions that could lead to escalation.
We believe that the fundamental solution to the Korean Peninsula issue lies in achieving denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and negotiation. We are willing to continue to play a constructive role in bringing all parties back to the track of dialogue and achieving lasting peace and stability on the peninsula. ”
Wang Yi also revealed that the Chinese government has communicated with the North Korean government and learned about the purpose and intentions of the North Korean missile test. He said that North Korea's missile tests were not aimed at any specific country or region, but to improve its own defense capability and sense of security.
He said: The DPRK still adheres to the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and is willing to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation. He said: The DPRK hopes that the United States and other countries will respect the legitimate rights and interests of the DPRK, stop their hostile policies and military threats against the DPRK, and create favorable conditions for easing the situation on the peninsula.
Fourth, the prospects of the Korean Peninsula issue
The DPRK's missile test has undoubtedly brought new variables and challenges to the Korean Peninsula issue, as well as new tests and pressures on the international community. Under such circumstances, how all parties should deal with and handle the Korean Peninsula issue, as well as what the prospects of the Korean Peninsula issue are, is an issue worthy of attention and consideration.
On the one hand, North Korea's missile tests show that North Korea has made remarkable progress in nuclear weapons and missile technology, and has developed certain nuclear deterrence and countermeasure capabilities. This means that any attempt to carry out a military strike or force change against North Korea will face enormous risks and costs, as well as unpredictable consequences. Therefore, it is no longer realistic and feasible for the United States and its allies to try to solve the Korean Peninsula issue by military means.
On the other hand, the DPRK's missile test also shows that the DPRK still hopes to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue and realize the denuclearization and peace of the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and negotiations. This means that for China and other countries, there is still some room and possibility for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through diplomatic means. Therefore, for the international community, resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through peaceful means remains the most ideal and effective option.
To sum up, the prospects of the Korean Peninsula issue depend on the attitudes and actions of all sides, as well as the communication and coordination of all sides. Only when all parties can put aside prejudices and prejudices, abandon confrontation and hostility, persist in dialogue and negotiation, and seek consensus and compromise can we achieve a fundamental settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue and create a bright future for peace and development on the Korean Peninsula and the region.
epilogue
North Korea's two missiles in a row is a high-profile and controversial incident, as well as a complex and sensitive issue. On this issue, the positions and interests of all parties may be different and conflicting, but the goals and aspirations of all parties should be the same and the same, that is, to achieve denuclearization and peace on the peninsula.
In order to achieve this goal, all parties should make efforts and contributions, instead of blaming and resisting each other. Only in this way will we be able to create a bright future for peace and development on the peninsula and in the region.