North Korea recently tested its hypersonic missile and train-based missile in September, which has once again sparked the debate of the disturbing balance of power in the world.
This consistent testing of strategic weapons by the rogue state signifies the will of the state to use these weapons in the hour of the need.
The intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons program, big manpower-based army, and enrichment programs are totally based on the purpose of maintaining deterrence and preventing neighboring rivals South Korea and Japan, and the US from taking any action.
The sanctions and pressuring policy of UNSC, Japan, and South Korea remained unsuccessful in keeping the Republic of Korea away from acquiring dangerous weapons.
The recent test is once again posing a threat to the balance of power in the region.
The USA and North Korea are face-to-face in an everlasting military Stand-off
Despite the fact that the US may perceive North Korea as a direct threat, the likelihood of Kon Jong-un attacking the US is out of the question.
The primary purpose of these testing exhibitions by the rogue nation is to counter the US sanctions and be included in the name of the nuclear-armed nations.
The assertiveness of Donald Trump against North Korea is the primary reason why the country is getting into the arms race.
The former president was very vocal in his approach, often claiming that North Korea could be the victim of his “fury.” He even threatened to nuke the country, which brought the country into the arms race.
Now, if the Biden administration continues Trump’s policies of sanctioning and threatening the already troubled country, their reaction can also be severe up to an unimaginable extent.
Kim Jong-un’s ambition to expand the weapons base, especially the Hwasong series (Hwasong 14 & 15), is totally dependent upon the US response, as both countries have developed a capacity to hit targets at 10,000 km & 13,000 km, respectively, by taking nuclear warheads. These ranges cover the entire US land, which makes the US concerned.
There is no other North Korean enemy in this range other than the USA.
Due to these missiles, the subsequent US administrations have been reluctant to use brutal force against the Korean peninsula.
Japan and South Korea: The two vulnerable nations to North Korea’s regional hegemony
The US and its regional allies are concerned about these Hwasong series missiles because they are difficult to defend. Military experts said that it is nearly impossible for the defense systems to neutralize these intercontinental ballistic missiles because of their unknown fast speed.
Besides this, the test of long-range cruise missiles can prove to be a threat for US forces stationed in South Korea and Japan’s land because this missile has the potential and programming to avoid the straight trajectory, and it can also pass through Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) radar systems undetected.
It can hit a target within a radius of 1500 km, making Japan and the Republic of Korea vulnerable.
The thermonuclear bombs of the rogue state and its big conventional force, one million active and 600,000 reserved personnel, are a threat to the Moon Jae-in administration and Japan.
South Korea itself is unable to maintain a big threat to North Korea. But the 80,000 US soldiers who are present in Japan and ROK are a cause of concern for Kim Jong-un.
The demilitarized zone of the Korean peninsula is one of the world’s most armed military zones, with 650,000 ROK soldiers plus 29,000 US soldiers on one side and 1.2 million soldiers of DPRK on the other side.
That’s why the rogue state tested thermonuclear weapons in 2017, whose 100 kiloton yields make them six times more potent compared to the second world war bombs.
This kind of weaponization and militarization make Japan and South Korea vulnerable.
Final thoughts
Cyber-attacks, nuclear tests and missile tests, violation of the non-proliferation regime, and the threatening of regional peace with the above-mentioned weaponization by North Korea are the major concerns of the United States and the ROK.
The USA is concerned not only about North Korea bombs but also about rising Chinese and Russian missile ambitions. All of them combined make the suffering of the USA high.
Eli is a Political Data Scientist with over thirty years of experience in Data Engineering, Analytics, and Digital Marketing. Eli uses his expertise to give the latest information and distinctive analysis on US Political News, US Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, and Racial Justice equipping readers with the inequivalent knowledge.