North Korea has successfully launched a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan. This has hasten the time estimated that North Korea could develop an intercontinental ballistic missile from five years to one year. The missile is the most advanced that the world has seem from North Korea. It flew for about 30 minutes.
It is interesting timing on North Korea’s part. South Korea has just put in place a new liberal President, Moon Jae-in, who favors dialogue with North Korea.
“We keep our door open for dialogue with North Korea, but we must act decisively against North Korean provocations so that it will not miscalculate,” Mr. Moon was quoted as saying by his office. “We must show that dialogue is possible when the North changes its attitude.”
The United States, Japan, and South Korea has condemned the attacks. There is an urgent UN Security Council meeting request from these three nations.
It will be interesting to see how the new South Korean government act in the UN and in response to North Korea’s actions.