North Korea Says It Has Tested a New ICBM Engine
New York TimesNov 25, 2022
N.Korea Completes ‘Important’ Test of Spy Satellite
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Image copyright: News Agencies via Al Jazeera
The Facts
North Korean state media on Monday reported that it had conducted an "important, final phase" test in the development of a military reconnaissance satellite. The country plans to have the satellite completed by April 2023.
This follows reports from South Korea and Japan that the North has launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward its east coast. According to analysts, developing such a satellite would provide North Korea with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as they share similar technology.
The Spin
Republican narrative
You can’t blame Kim Jong-un for flexing North Korea’s military muscle when Biden is recklessly saber-rattling with Taiwan and China — how does he know the US won't also team up with South Korea for an invasion of the North? Trump's relationship with, and policies towards North Korea maintained stability in the Korean Peninsula.
Democratic narrative
Kim Jong-Un's geopolitical actions have been erratic, and his missile launches are destabilizing the Peninsula. Instead of provoking a confrontation, the leader should take the Biden administration up on its offer to meet without preconditions, and settle any grievances peacefully. Biden is showing strength and prudence in the region.
