Pyongyang to Launch Spy-Satellite: Japan Orders Shooting Down of Satellite or Debris if Violating Territory

 

Kim Jong Un pictured at Satellite Launch ground
Image Credit: Google

Pyongyang on Monday has informed Tokyo that it plans to launch a satellite in coming days. This seems to be an attempt to put North Korea’s first military spy-satellite into orbit. The space has also become an entity where states are increasingly showing power by sending satellites to establish their sphere of influence.

According to Japan’s coast guard, the launch window range from 31^st of March to 11^th of June, and that it might affect waters in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and east of the Philippines’ Luzon Island.

Tests of Missiles and Weapons by North Korea:

North Korea has also conducted a series of missile and arms tests in the past few months, including a new, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

In response, Japanese PM’s office urged North Korea to refrain from the launch by saying that it would work closely with allies.

“We strongly urge North Korea to refrain from launching,” the statement issued by Prime Minister’s office on Twitter, adding it would cooperate “with relevant countries, such as the US and South Korea”.

Japanese Defense Minister Orders Shooting Down of Satellite or Debris if Violating Territory
Image Credit: Google

Using a Banned Technology for the Launch:

North Korea would have to use long-range missile technology to launch its satellite. This technology is banned under United Nations’ Security Council resolutions. The past launches have also been witnessed by Earth observation satellites as disguised missile tests.

A threat to Regional Peace:

The Chief Cabinet Secretary in Japan, Hirokazu Matsuno commented that the launch would violate UN resolutions and was a “threat to the peace and safety of Japan, the region and the international community.”

Ordered to shoot if Violate Japanese Territorial Integrity:

The Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada ordered Japan’s Self Defence Force to target the satellite or debris and shoot it down, if any entered Japanese territory.

The Japanese government also said it would utilize all its sources to collect and analyse information from the launch.

According to the Professor at Ewha Woman’s University in Seoul, Leif-Eric Easley, “Pyongyang presumably notified Tokyo of the impending launch because the rocket may fly over Japanese territory, and the Kim regime wants to claim it is conducting a legitimate space program.” She told Al Jazeera in emailed comments.

“But the notification does not appear to meet international standards, and any North Korean satellite launch is illegal under UN Security Council resolutions that ban North Korean ballistic missile tests.” She added.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)