The North Korean regime had something to celebrate. It has tested a "super large" multiple rocket launcher, it was said from Pyongyang. The "fire system" works perfectly, head of state Kim Jong Un is satisfied.
The statements confirmed what neighboring countries had already suspected: On Thursday, North Korea had tested rockets. South Korea spoke of two "unknown projectiles", the Japanese Ministry of Defense said it could have been two ballistic short-range missiles. Tests of this kind are prohibited by UN resolutions to North Korea. Such missiles can carry conventional, chemical, biological or nuclear warheads.
It was not the first rocket launches this year; North Korea also threatened to test long-range missiles again. The regime wants to exert pressure in the dispute over its nuclear program, especially the US. The government of US President Donald Trump downplayed the threats so far - but now he needs quick successes, otherwise he could harm the issue in the upcoming election campaign.
What information is available about the tests? And what do they mean for the region? The overview.
What is known about the rocket test?
The projectiles were launched according to the South Korean army of the province of southern Pyongan near the capital Pyongyang. The first launch took place on Thursday at 16:35 local time, the second three minutes later.
The projectiles flew about 370 kilometers and reached a height of 90 kilometers before they crashed into the Sea of Japan (Korean: Ostmeer). A US military base in northern Tokyo briefly sounded the alarm.
Ruler Kim congratulated the scientists, according to the North Korean news agency KCNA. The test has shown that the system has enough firepower to completely destroy enemy targets in a surprise attack, said KCNA.
What is the relationship between North Korea and the US?
On 5 October, mediators from the North Korean and US governments had met for talks on the North Korean nuclear program in Sweden. These had ended but without result. A few days ago, the leadership in Pyongyang announced that it was beginning to lose patience. A statement said there was no significant progress. The US government is wrong if it does not take Kim's ultimatum seriously.
This means a deadline by the end of the year set by the Washington dictator. Until then, the US side should submit proposals that are acceptable to all parties. Pyongyang calls for, among other things, a relaxation of international sanctions. US diplomats, however, are skeptical.
Meanwhile, US President Trump is showing that nuclear disarmament is still on his political agenda. On Friday he nominated Stephen Biegun as Deputy Foreign Minister. Biegun, who is actually a Russia expert, is responsible for North Korea affairs in Trump's administration and also led the talks in Stockholm. Republicans and Democrats received positive responses to the crowd.
Lee Jin-man / AP
Stephen Biegun at a meeting with representatives of South Korea in Seoul
However, after the rocket tests, Trump criticized: "These tests are a reminder that Donald Trump - a self-styled peacemaker - has achieved nothing but a series of spectacular diplomatic blunders that make US citizens less secure," said Joe Biden , a possible presidential candidate of the Democrats. Now it is obvious that Trump failed with his North Korea strategy.
What is the relationship between North and South Korea?
In South Korea, the release of new propaganda images from Pyongyang triggered nervousness in mid-October. They showed Kim on a white horse in the snow on the sacred Mount Paektu. Normally such pictures would be published if there were major changes in North Korea, according to Seoul. They stayed away, a few days ago it even looked like relaxation: Kim sent a letter of condolence to South Korean President Moon Jae. His North Korean-born mother Kang Han Ok had died at the age of 92 years. On the day of her funeral, North Korea launched the missile test.
KCNA / KNS / AFP
Kim Jong Un on his white horse: Bad omens
North and South Korea had agreed in 2018 on the end of all hostilities. However, Kim sees in South Korean maneuvers a violation of the agreements - in North Korean media is talk of warmongering.
What is the situation in North Korea?
One reason for Kim's threatening gestures could be the poor supply situation in his country, which is exacerbated by international sanctions. According to a new UN report, nearly half of North Koreans are undernourished. 140,000 children are affected, 30,000 of them therefore have an increased risk of death. For the lack of food, experts blame the mismanagement of the regime.
What role does China play?
Ju Peng / Xinhua / AP
Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping in Beijing
For many years China has been the main ally of the North Korean regime. Especially Pyongyang economically depends on Beijing's goodwill. Kim met with Chinese President Xi Jinping several times this year. At the same time, more and more Chinese tourists came to North Korea, according to the Korea Risk Group, so far about 350,000 so far this year. Visitors are said to have brought in more than $ 175 million.
