North Korea Missile Tests increases tensions

North Korea has launched eight short range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast. South Korea says the missiles were fired from an area of the North Korean capital Pyongyang.

In recent weeks, North Korea has test fired a range of ballistic missiles, including its largest intercontinental ballistic missile.

This comes just one day after South Korea and the United States wrapped up their first combined military drills involving an American aircraft carrier in more than four years.

North Korea Massive Missile Tests

North Korea conducts its largest single missile test ever, firing eight short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast.

Pyongyang has frequently protested against joint military exercises involving Seoul and Washington, calling them rehearsals for invasion despite Washington's mantra of diplomacy.

The latest test marks the 18th time that North Korea has fired its missiles this year, including what the US says was a failed intercontinental ballistic missile test on May 4 that exploded shortly after launch.

Last month, North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, said he would strengthen and develop his country's nuclear forces at the highest possible speed.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has failed to restore diplomatic talks with Pyongyang as tensions escalate.

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after US-South drills

North Korea launches multiple ballistic missile toward the sea off its east coast.

Former US President Donald Trump attempted to court Pyongyang but even though he met with the North Korean leader three times, he refused to relieve any of the sanctions in return for the several steps taken by Pyongyang towards denuclearization.

That hampered further diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington prompting Kim to announce an end to a moratorium on the country's missile tests.

.. a country that does not have a formidable Arsenal can be subject to US attack because it's considered weak. So this is part of it. Well, if it wants to remain the Hermit Kingdom, it must look to be strong. And unpredictable and this is how it uses it's a military, the projection of its military force.

Greg Simons, Author & Researcher

North Korea, which has been under rounds of crushing UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, has ramped up its missile launches this year.

North Korea launches at least 3 ballistic missiles toward sea, South Korea says

North Korea launched at least three ballistic missiles toward the sea on Wednesday morning local time, according to Seoul.

The sanctions have led to rising levels of poverty and food insecurity. Despite the acknowledged food insecurity in North Korea the United Nations humanitarian response plan does not include an appeal for assistance to North Korea.

A UN World Food Programme report in 2019 concluded that 11 million of North Korea's 25 million people were undernourished and one in every five children was stunted from lack of adequate nutrition.

Last month China and Russia vetoed a US led push at the United Nations for sanctions on North Korea over its renewed ballistic missile launches.

Biden suggests 'sincere', 'serious' talks with North during visit to South Korea

During a visit to South Korea, US President Joe Biden suggests any meeting with North Korea

 China, Pyongyang's closest ally, and Russia, whose relations with the West have sharply deteriorated over its "special military operation" in Ukraine, said they would have preferred a non binding statement instead of a fresh resolution against Pyongyang.

Beijing warned that sanctions would equate to an escalation in tensions and dire humanitarian consequences for North Korea, which has been severally affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

China, Russia oppose further UN sanctions on North Korea over missile tests

China and Russia have voiced opposition to further sanctions by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) against North Korea over its missile tests, as the United States urges the council to impose such measures on Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, Moscow asserts Washington is ignoring appeals by Pyongyang to put a stop to hostile activity.

During the past 16 years the UN Security Council has steadily and unanimously ramped up sanctions to cut off funding for North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Since 2017, when the council last stepped up sanctions on Pyongyang, China and Russia have been trying to ease sanctions on humanitarian grounds.

Because it's a coercive power it doesn't want to treat another country on equal or humane terms because it doesn't want to preserve the current leadership of North Korea, (it) wants regime change.

Greg Simons, Author & Researcher

US threatens North Korea with ‘forceful response’ to new nuclear test

The US government has threatened North Korea with a “swift and forceful response” if Pyongyang conducts a nuclear test.

In particular, China's strategic overtures to North Korea since the collapse of US North Korea diplomatic talks in 2019 have drawn the two countries closer.

With tensions rising over the US China competition and the new South Korean Conservative government that has vowed to take a harder line on North Korea and China, Beijing has more incentive to keep Pyongyang close.

South Korea, US boost tensions with missiles, call out North Korea

Tensions are simmering on the Koran Peninsula in the wake of the recent joint war games by the United States and South Korea.

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