N. Korea keeps firing strategic cruise missiles; is Pyongyang really risking war?

북한, 계속된 순항미사일 발사 의도는? North Korea recently launched three strategic cruise missiles in the space of a week, doing so for the first time since September 2021. From solid-fuel hypersonic missiles to cruise missiles, Pyongyang has been test-firing a variety of weapons, dialing up tensions on the Peninsula. Renowned experts have been pointing out that it is highly likely the reclusive regime will continue with major provocations, even risking war. Is this really so? What could North Korea’s intentions be? For more on this, we invite Professor Kim Young-jun from Korea National Defense University. Welcome to the show, Professor Kim. We also have Doctor Mark Barry from the International Journal on World Peace. Good to see you, Doctor Barry. As Professor Kim is an expert on national security, I would like to first ask about North Korea’s latest provocations, before moving on to regional politics and relations as Doctor Barry’s expertise lies there. (KIM) Q1. North Korea has repeatedly test-fired strategic cruise missiles recently. How is this cruise missile different from ballistic ones, and how is the new type, Pulhwasal-3-31 different from the Hwasal-1 and -2? (EXTRA/SHORT) Q2. If I am correct, launching a cruise missile is NOT a direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Why is this so? (KIM) Q3. Following the very first cruise missile launch for this year on the 24th, Pyongyang test-fired submarine-launched cruise missiles. What could have been North Korea’s intentions? (KIM) Q4. State-run media -the KCNA pointed out that Kim Jong-un also discussed issues related to the building of a nuclear-powered submarine and other new types of warships. Last September, Pyongyang unveiled what it claimed was its first tactical nuclear attack submarine which is diesel-powered, right? What is the difference between this and a nuclear-powered one? (KIM) Q5. North Korea has been unveiling its diversified missile system, ranging from solid-fuel hypersonic missiles to new type cruise missiles under development. What is the intention behind showing these off? (BARRY) Q6. Meanwhile, moving on to international relations, North Korea said Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to visit Pyongyang at an early date. How do you see the possibility of Putin’s Pyongyang visit and when would it be? (BARRY) Q7. Amid its boosted ties with Russia, North Korean officials met with a visiting senior Chinese diplomat in Pyongyang, and the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen tactical cooperation. How did you see such words? (BARRY) Q8. Meanwhile, during a meeting between U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and China’s top diplomat in Bangkok, the U.S. asked China to use its influence on North Korea over its series of provocations. Do you believe China will play the role the U.S. wants? (BOTH) Q9. Many reports are coming out regarding tensions on the peninsula, while some say the situation is more dangerous than it has been at any time since early June 1950 others also say North Korea’s aggressive words are just an empty threat, as they have no reason to go to war as they enjoy ties with Russia right now. What is your view on this? (BOTH) Q10. Though it could be fragile, North Korea is strengthening its ties with Russia and China, showing clear alignment with them. What should South Korea’s diplomatic strategy be? Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today’s edition. Thank you Doctor Barry and Professor Kim for your time and insights. We appreciate it. #NorthKorea #Missile #Cruise_missile #Provocation #북한 #순항미사일 #도발 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook : 📣 Twitter : 📣 Homepage : 2024-01-31, 18:30 (KST)