On January 10, 2024, Yonhap News Agency and others** disclosed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un once again made tough remarks against South Korea, designating South Korea as North Korea's "most hostile country". Kim Jong-un recently inspected an important military factory, focusing on the production of the Hwasong-11D missile. Inside the factory, the missile launcher resembles an endless forest, and Kim Jong-un's statement has attracted widespread attention from the international community.
The inspection once again underscored North Korea's ambitions in missile technology. Some analysts believe that the "Hwasong-11 Ding" missile may be related to the recent appearance of the KN-23 in Ukraine, which has aroused international concern. The United States even suspects that Russia has provided military assistance to North Korea, allowing it to rapidly develop its missile technology. Against this background, the situation on the peninsula is once again tense, and the forces of geopolitics are intertwined into the reality of the missile threat.
Kim Jong-un's tough rhetoric underscores North Korea's assertiveness in the affairs of the peninsula. He made it clear that South Korea is the "most hostile country" facing North Korea and accused South Korea of trying to interfere in North Korean affairs. This stance has not only heightened tensions in inter-Korean relations, but has also raised international concerns about North Korea's intentions. Kim Jong-un stressed that North Korea has "overwhelming power," but he also said that he would not unilaterally provoke trouble, but that North Korea would not hesitate to respond to hostile acts by all means.
The technological evolution of the Hwasong-11D missile has sparked widespread speculation in the international community. The downsized missile is still powerful, with a range of up to 109 kilometers, while its conventional version can cover more than 400 kilometers and even carry nuclear warheads. North Korea's worrying display of the Volcano-31 nuclear warhead during past inspections of its nuclear bomb factory suggests that North Korea already has a certain nuclear strike capability. As a result, the security situation on the peninsula has become more complicated, and South Korea may face unprecedented threats.
Mr. Kim's statement reflected North Korea's frustration with South Korea and the United States. During the brief "honeymoon period" between the two Koreas, North Korea showed goodwill, but the situation on the peninsula fell into tension again due to US intervention. North Korea has clearly positioned South Korea as the "most hostile country," indicating its dissatisfaction with the geopolitical landscape. Peace and stability on the peninsula remain at stake, and South Korea must recognize this and not fall victim to the U.S. strategic game.
Extended topic: The clouds of a new arms race
Facing the threat of North Korean missiles is not only a tense situation on the peninsula, but also a variable in the global security landscape. The clouds of a new arms race are looming over the international community. Various countries have increased their military investment and upgraded their missile defense systems. The United States, Russia, China and other major powers are fiercely competing for nuclear and missile technology, and geopolitical uncertainty has plunged the world into a state of tension.
The development of new missile technology has raised international fears about the outbreak of war. Countries around the world are trying to raise their own armament levels, but such an approach will only further promote the arms race and increase international tensions. In the face of this situation, the international community urgently needs to work together to resolve disputes through dialogue and cooperation, avoid the outbreak of war, and create a more stable environment for global peace and security.
Conclusion: Future Challenges in the Shadow of the Cold War
Tensions on the peninsula under the threat of North Korean missiles, as well as the clouds of a new global arms race, raise concerns about the future. The spectre of the cold war seems to have reappeared, and the international community is facing unprecedented challenges. Only through political dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation can the current crisis be resolved and more favourable conditions for global peace and stability can be created. The evolution of the situation on the Korean Peninsula has become the focus of the international community's common attention, and we hope that rational and calm voices can lead future development and work for the common interests of mankind.