As of: January 25, 2024, 10:34 a.m
By: Erkan Pehlivan
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Tensions between South Korea and its northern neighbor continue to rise.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un is pushing forward weapons development.
Pyongyang - North Korea tested a new strategic cruise missile on Wednesday (January 24), according to state news agency KCNA.
The new rocket called “Pulhwasal-3-31” is still under development.
Pyongyang said the test was also part of the process of updating the country's weapons system.
The designation as a strategic weapon could indicate that North Korea designed the cruise missile to use nuclear warheads.
South Korea's military detected several cruise missiles launched from North Korea on Wednesday.
These therefore fell into the sea between the Korean peninsula and China.
No further details were initially given.
North Korea had already published reports last week about testing new weapons systems and rocket engines, including a supposedly nuclear-capable underwater attack drone.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Ju Ae watch a test of the Hwasong-18 missile.
© dpa
Tensions between North Korea and South Korea are increasing
North Korea is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile programs.
In contrast to ballistic missiles, tests of cruise missiles are not affected by the UN ban decisions against the largely isolated country.
However, such weapons can also be used to deploy nuclear warheads.
Unlike ballistic missiles, guided missiles have their own permanent propulsion.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula are currently increasing significantly again.
In the past two years, North Korea has significantly increased the scope of its rocket and guided missile tests and increased its rhetoric against the governments in South Korea and the USA.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un wants to expand weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons.
He repeatedly called for increased preparations for war.
The United States and South Korea, seen as main enemies by North Korea, have expanded military cooperation including joint military exercises.
North Korea wants to further expand relations with Russia
Apparently North Korea is also trying to expand its relations with Russia by inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
North Korea "is ready to greet the Korean people's closest friend with the utmost sincerity," North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said at a meeting with Putin in Moscow on Sunday, according to state news agency KCNA.
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The Russian leader expressed his “willingness” to visit North Korea “soon,” KCNA reported.
Russia also said it was “deeply grateful” for North Korean support for Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Choe recently met Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a visit to Moscow.
(erpe/dpa/AFP)