- Haley Lynn
- Aug. 31, 2023
North Korea justified its intentions to send a spy satellite into orbit. Kim Song, the nation's ambassador to the UN, argued that the satellite launch was open to the public and within the nation's legal authority as a sovereign state.
Kim Song refuted claims made during the speech that North Korea was utilizing the launch of the satellite to obtain ICBM capability. The nation's efforts were completely directed toward nonviolent space exploration.
Due to its work on developing nuclear weapons and missile technologies, North Korea has come under international attention and has been subject to sanctions. In an effort to deter the nation's weapons development, the UN has slapped numerous rounds of sanctions on Iran.
North Korea's dedication:
North Korea continues to be dedicated to its space program in spite of the criticism and sanctions. In 2012, the nation successfully launched a satellite into orbit; since then, other satellite launches have taken place.
Expert opinions:
- Experts have disagreed about the goal of North Korea's satellite program. Many people think that the country is using it as a front to develop long-range missile technology, despite the fact that they claim it is for peaceful purposes like weather monitoring.
International concerns:
The nuclear and missile programs of North Korea are still being keenly watched by the international community. Concerns concerning regional security and stability have been expressed as a result of the nation's steadfast pursuit of these initiatives.
The United States representative to the UN urged the U.N. Security Council to denounce North Korea's recent unsuccessful satellite launch on Friday. He also insisted that China and Russia's refusal to hold North Korea responsible for its actions is motivating the defiant nation to carry out more provocations.
China agreed and said as much.
In reference to the United States' combined military drills with South Korea and Japan, a Chinese envoy stated, "Several parties, including the U.S., have been continuously engaged in military activities."
The Chinese diplomat said, speaking via an interpreter, "Despite the reflex of some countries to place all the blame on the DPRK as usual, it must be pointed out that the DPRK's recent launches are closely linked to the military activities of some relevant countries."
North Korea's stance:
In a defiant speech to the UN Security Council, North Korea insisted its efforts to launch a spy satellite into space are transparent and within “its legitimate right as a sovereign state.
In a rare statement to the UN on Friday, Kim Song, the ambassador to Pyongyang, defended his nation and refuted claims that it was using the satellite launch to obtain ICBM capability.
It had "never recognized resolutions of the UN Security Council that violate the rights of a sovereign country," according to Kim.
On Thursday, Pyongyang attempted its second effort to launch a spy satellite into orbit, but it was unsuccessful due to a problem with the rocket's third stage.
When the Chollima-1 spacecraft rocket crashed into the ocean shortly after launch in May, it was the first attempt that was unsuccessful.
As a result of the missile's many fragmentations before crashing into the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, Japan's neighbor issued an urgent call for people of the southern Okinawa zone to evacuate.
The launch was deemed a "flagrant violation" of several UN Security Council resolutions by the US National Security Council because it "includes technologies directly related to the DPRK's intercontinental ballistic missile program."
Even if it were launched successfully, the latest satellite, according to the South Korean military, was too crudely made to be an effective eavesdropping tool.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea will make another attempt to launch a missile in October.
US response:
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield asked members to "return to the era when we used our collective voice to limit nuclear proliferation" prior to Kim Song's speech at the UN.
"We must categorically condemn the DPRK's illegal behavior," she continued. ... We must demand that North Korea follow all pertinent Security Council resolutions completely and faithfully.
"And we must oppose the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's global revenue-generating activities, which support its illegal weapons program."
North Korea's justification of its satellite launch at the UN Security Council demonstrates its commitment to continuing its space program. The international community is still dubious of the nation's genuine intentions even if it asserts its rights as a sovereign entity. There are continued efforts to find a solution and address issues with North Korea's nuclear programs.
