Tension Rises Between North Korea and Japan

Tension rises between North Korea and Japan, as North Korea fires three ballistic missiles over Japan. According to the Japanese minister of defense the first missile soared over Aomori Prefecture early Tuesday morning. Following this North Korea launched two more short range ballistic missiles early Thursday morning. 

All three missiles were launched near Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. Thankfully, all three missiles landed either in the ocean or in North Korea.  However, this is North Korea’s 7th test this week and the 9th time a North Korea missile has flown over Japan. 

These launches came after the United States and South Korea fired four surface-to-surface missiles in a joint drill. North Korea’s ramp up in testing is a direct result of the upcoming United States midterms and the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan sailing into waters between Japan and Korea.  

All of this prompted a reassurance message from President Biden, stating his and the country’s commitment to Japan’s defense. It also prompted a meeting between the United states, Japan, and South Korea to further assess the situation and potential outcomes.  

Ballistic missiles use projectile motion to strike their targets, with a capability to hold 300 kilotons of TNT and they can also deliver nuclear weapons. These missiles often have advanced targeting systems and are very hard to intercept ; for example recent tests from North Korea have revealed that some of their ballistic missiles are capable of changing course mid air making it even harder to intercept. 

This behavior from North Korea is especially concerning when in conjunction with its recent law. This law states, “North Korea recently passed a law declaring its readiness to launch preemptive nuclear strikes.”  The country is also preparing for its seventh nuclear arms test.   

At this time it is unclear of the future and the ramifications these launches may have. Judging by how this has happened multiple times before, it is unlikely that a war will result from it but it will definitely increase tensions with all parties involved.