SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
Sources in S Korea are claiming that N Korea is preparing to launch a new, long range rocket. A launch would almost certainly be viewed by the international community as a disguised ballistic missile test and result in the imposition of fresh sanctions. It is thought that the launch might take place on Oct 10 which would mark the 70th anniversary of the Workers' Party
According to the Yonhap [News Agency] source, North Korea has completed work on an extended 67-metre (220-foot) gantry capable of handling a rocket twice the size of the 30-metre Unha-3 rocket launched in December, 2012.
The Unha-3 launch was widely condemned overseas as a ballistic missile test and triggered additional UN sanctions.
North Korea, which insisted the launch was purely scientific in nature, responded three months later by conducting [its] third nuclear test—the most powerful to date.
North Korea is banned under UN Security Council resolutions from carrying out any launch using ballistic missile technology, although repeated small-range missile tests have gone unpunished.
The upgrading of facilities at the Sohae launch centre have been closely monitored by satellite imagery analysts at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
In a recent report, the institute estimated that an October 10 launch would be "difficult although not impossible".
(Score: 2, Disagree) by Runaway1956 on Friday July 24 2015, @02:10AM
The world's political realities preclude the US and/or any coalition from stomping Kim into the dirt, and setting up any kind of real government in N.K. China is the fly in the ointment. China will NOT permit the west to eradicate the Kim dynasty.
And, this is where the UN proves to be totally useless. If the UN were to put on a united front, demanding that China DO SOMETHING about Kim and his family, China might be motivated to correct the situation. The world might have to make some concessions to China in exchange. But, most concessions that I can imagine would be worthwhile.
China is busy establishing bases, and making claims to territory throughout the China seas. Much of that territory is disputed by Japan, the Phillipines, and other actors. China is actually building islands in an area claimed by Japan.
If China were to act decisively, and get rid of the Kim dynasty, put N. Korea on the road toward civilization, it would be worth giving China some of what it wants in the ocean.
N. Korea is the single most dangerous nation in the world. And, the UN apathetically watches as it's leader does insane shit. China doesn't care a whole lot, because N. Korea isn't out for Chinese blood.
Time to bargain.
Yes, I'm talking about assassinations - something that MOST people on the internet frown upon. Reality offends many people's sensitiviiies, but reality has it's own way of infringing on people's fantasies. Lil Kim must go, along with his entire family, and the system they've put into place.
It isn't necessary that N. Korea install a government that conforms 100$ with Western expectations. All that is necessary, is that China do some house cleaning, and install a rational government, led by rational leaders. Even IF that means that Chinese nationals rule N. Korea, it would be worthwhile.
The status quo really sucks for everyone - it's time to change the status.
(Score: 2) by arslan on Friday July 24 2015, @03:51AM
I'm really curious what China's script would be if NK/Lil Kim goes batshit and start an actual war. I'm sure they'd have considered this and have a planned script.
They'd have to pick a side when that scenario plays out. Given they're no longer a closed Communist country like in the last Korean war, they might surprise us yet.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday July 24 2015, @11:54AM
They'd just whack him and take over. They'd keep the U.S. out of it by insisting that it is a "Regional Matter". They'd crush NK like a bug and claim it for themselves. NK is just a buffer zone anyway. They aren't letting a U.S. puppet like SK in there without control of the area. U.S. knows this too. They don't want to make things there any worse ATM.