In response to North Korea’s claim of successfully launching a spy satellite into space, South Korea has suspended parts of its 2018 military agreement with the North aimed at lowering tensions. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed concerns about the launch, stating that it threatened South Korea’s security.
The satellite launch by Pyongyang, announced late on Tuesday, has escalated tensions in the region. South Korea’s military confirmed the satellite’s entry into orbit but emphasised that it was too early to determine its functionality. Both South Korea and the United States strongly condemned the move, with the US National Security Council warning of potential destabilisation in the region.
North Korea’s achievement of a functioning spy satellite aligns with its five-year military plan outlined by leader Kim Jong Un in January 2021. The technology would allow Pyongyang to monitor the movements of US and South Korean troops with greater precision, potentially enhancing its strategic capabilities.
While some analysts question the effectiveness of the satellite, noting potential limitations in resolution, others believe it could contribute to North Korea’s military effectiveness. Ankit Panda, a nuclear policy expert, suggested that the satellite might have a stabilising effect by making Pyongyang less apprehensive during crises.
In response to the satellite launch, South Korea announced the suspension of key elements of the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement with North Korea. This includes breaching a no-fly zone established under the pact, allowing South Korea to resume surveillance flights along its border with the North. The move aims to address concerns that the existing agreement left South Korea vulnerable to an attack by restricting its ability to conduct surveillance.
The suspension of the military pact could heighten tensions and potentially increase the likelihood of cross-border skirmishes, according to some analysts. However, others argue that the cycle of provocations has already resumed, and South Korea needed to respond to North Korea’s actions.
The situation remains complex, with the latest developments impacting regional stability and diplomatic relations. The international community continues to monitor the evolving situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Kiki Garba
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