The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has conducted a number of ballistic missile tests recently, including the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on February 18, 2023, which has prompted harsh condemnation from Singapore.
Similar to previous missile tests by the DPRK, this provocation is seen as a risky action that could worsen regional tensions and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
“Like the DPRK’s previous missile tests, this is a dangerous provocation which will exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and jeopardise stability in the region. It is also a blatant violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions”, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement.
“Singapore reiterates our longstanding call for the DPRK to cease all provocations immediately and abide by its international obligations and commitments”, MFA added.
State media claimed that North Korea conducted a surprise drill in which an ICBM was fired to evaluate its reliability, according to BBC.
Before coming down in the Sea of Japan, the missile travelled approximately 900km (560 miles) in 67 minutes. This test, according to Pyongyang, proved its capacity to combat forces they regard as hostile, such as the US and South Korea.
The test was carried out in advance of joint military drills between Washington and Seoul planned for the following month in an effort to deter North Korea from escalating its nuclear threat. Officials in North Korea have threatened “unprecedentedly harsh” punishment in response to such drills, which they believe are part of plans for an invasion of their country.
Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, reiterated on Sunday that the country will respond to any hostile moves with a “strong and overwhelming” force, and she urged the US to stop making “threats” against the government. She also reaffirmed that Seoul, the capital of South Korea, will not be the target of any North Korean rockets.
North Korea recently showed its military strength in a parade on Friday, which included more than a dozen intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
According to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the missile fired on Saturday was the first since New Year’s Day and fell in Japan’s EEZ west of Hokkaido at 18:27 (09:27 GMT).
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