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NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCH RAISES FEAR OF KOREAN CONFLICT, BUT OPENS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIALOGUE

REUTERS/SOPA Images

By Alex Pollock

On Tuesday, 21 November, North Korea launched its first successful spy satellite into orbit after two failed attempts earlier this year. The success of the launch catapulted the East Asia region into turmoil as South Korea, Japan, and China, along with the United States, grappled with how to respond to the newest escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula. North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un praised the launch, which he personally attended, as an exercise of the right to self-defence, while his neighbour, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned it as a violation of a UN resolution prohibiting the use of technology that applies to ballistic missile programmes. Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko also “strongly condemned the launch for its destabilising effect on the region” during a 24 November call with diplomats from the US, South Korea, and Japan.

According to North Korea’s National Aerospace Technology Administration, the Malligyong-1 satellite was launched from a Chollima-1 rocket at the Sohae launch facility at 10:42pm (GMT). North Korea had attempted launches of similar satellites in May and August of this year, both of which were unsuccessful. South Korean officials have speculated that the success of the launch can be attributed to assistance from Russia, as the third launch followed soon after Mr Kim’s trip to Russia in September, at which point Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intention to help North Korea develop its missile programme. However, it is unlikely that Russia would have supplied North Korea with the necessary technology so quickly.

In response to the launch, South Korea announced its intention to suspend Article 1, Paragraph 3 of the 2018 inter-Korean agreement that was designed to decrease military tensions between the two countries. Article 1, Paragraph 3 referred to the use of aerial surveillance along the line of demarcation. Mr Yoon said it was now necessary for South Korea to resume aerial reconnaissance to protect itself from potential attacks from the North. Following this announcement by South Korea, Mr Kim terminated the agreement in full, further worrying observers that a larger conflict could ensue. North Korean officials reported that the satellite would allow the North Korean military “to strike the whole world” and expressed the intention to launch several more satellites in the near future as part of a five-year military plan rolled out by Mr Kim in January 2021.

In the call between the Asian players and the United States, the diplomats in attendance called for the international community “to come together to prevent North Korea’s procurement activities and stem the flow of revenue supporting its unlawful WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programmes.” China, Japan, and South Korea further agreed on Sunday, 26 November, to cooperate on organising a summit to discuss how to ease tensions in the region. No date was set, but it is rumoured to take place early next year. While it is under concerning circumstances that these nations are coming together, it is a positive step toward dialogue and cooperation between nations that have recently seen increased tensions as well, as China continues to increase its presence in the disputed South China Sea. The inclusion of the United States in the talks also adds to recent discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, as the two world powers look to improve relations. Increased geopolitical relationships can always present new opportunities for Gospel spread as well. The Church can pray that this is the reality of this situation.

The prominence of this story in the news also highlights once again the realities of the people of North Korea. The citizens of this country live in extreme poverty and are highly isolated from the wider world, making it difficult to know the full extent of what is happening in the country. North Korea has long been listed number one on the Open Doors World Watch List, which ranks the top 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Christians in North Korea face harsh persecution and suffer greatly under the strict hand of the government. As we look to Earthly governments for a response to this potential crisis, we should also not forget to look to our Heavenly Father for the eternal solution, the saving of souls for the Kingdom. The global Church can continue to pray for those in the Koreas and the surrounding countries to seek their peace and refuge in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and the only true solution to the conflicts these countries are facing.

Please join us in prayer for the following:

  • For a de-escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula and the surrounding areas
  • For dialogue around this conflict to lead to further cooperation between all the global players involved
  • For each person in the region to find their peace, comfort, and salvation in Christ