Tokyo, November 29: North Korea test-fired another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) called the Hwasong-15, which reached an altitude of over 4,500 km. The test occurred at 3:00 am Indian Standard Time (IST) in Sain Ni, north of Pyongyang. The missile travelled east for about 53 minutes before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. It was the country’s third ICBM test this year.
Image Source: CNN
The missile landed in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone, an area that extends 200 nautical miles from its coasts.The launch represents the longest range test yet by the country led by dictator Kim Jong Un. It was the first test since an intermediate-range missile launch by North Korea on September 15, 2017.
The United States President, Donald Trump reacted to news of the launch, stating, “It is a situation that we will handle.” But Defence Secretary Jim Mattis expressed concern. “It went higher, frankly than any previous shot they’ve taken,” Mr. Mattis said in the White House, in a budget meeting with the president and Republican congressional leaders.
JUST IN: ICBM launched today by North Korea “went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they’ve taken,” Sec. Mattis says pic.twitter.com/lFFrmmdPxE
— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 28, 2017
With such moves by the North Korean Government, it is evident that it wishes to be acknowledged as a ‘nuclear superpower’. This move comes after President Trump put the country back on a list of state sponsors of terrorism.
JUST IN: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issues statement to “strongly condemn” North Korea’s missile test:
“North Korea needs to re-engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community.” pic.twitter.com/8JaOog6Lww
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) November 28, 2017
Domino effect
The Asian share markets were held back by caution over the latest missile test by North Korea and concerns at recent softness in Chinese shares. North Korea’s immediate neighbour South Korea responded with a “precision missile strike drill,” matching the flight distance, while ally China has voiced “grave concern” over North Korea’s missile test and called for talks to peacefully resolve the nuclear crisis.
By Aparna Ganesan