According to state media, North Korean leader Kim Jon Un has stated that the recent launch of a spy satellite by the country was an exercise of its right to self-defense. The launch has been celebrated in Pyongyang as a demonstration of its ability to strike anywhere in the world.
On Tuesday, North Korea announced that it had successfully placed its first spy satellite in orbit. However, this action has drawn condemnation from the international community for violating U.N. resolutions prohibiting its use of technology linked to ballistic missile programs.
Kim Jong Un visited the National Aerospace Technology Administration to commend space scientists and technicians, describing Tuesday’s launch as an “eye-opening event” in response to the “dangerous and aggressive” actions of hostile forces, as reported by KCNA news agency.
KCNA also reported that Kim emphasized the possession of a reconnaissance satellite as a legitimate exercise of the right to self-defense, stating that the DPRK armed forces cannot afford to concede or halt even for a moment.
A reception was hosted by North Korea to celebrate the launch, during which Premier Kim Tok Hun proclaimed that the satellite would elevate the North Korean military to become “the world’s best army possessed of capability for striking the whole world”.
This latest satellite launch marks the North’s third attempt this year, following two earlier failures and Kim’s rare trip to Russia in September, during which President Vladimir Putin pledged to assist Pyongyang in building satellites.
South Korean officials have suggested that the recent launch likely involved Russian technical assistance, as part of a growing partnership that has seen Pyongyang supplying Russia with millions of artillery shells.
Despite denial of arms deals by both Russia and North Korea, they have promised to bolster their cooperation. South Korea has stated that the North Korean satellite is believed to have entered orbit, but it will take time to evaluate its operational status.
(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
