Kim Jong-un’s latest ICBM launch shows that North Korea has ended self-restraint on major provocations and is also more likely to conduct another nuclear test.
China and Russia blocked punitive measures in the U.N. Security Council, but the U.S. can still lead an international effort to hold Pyongyang accountable.
The U.S. and South Korea should strengthen allied deterrence measures in response to Pyongyang’s transgressions, as tensions will likely rise in the months ahead.
I would like tentatively to share the insights of Mr. Bruce Klingner, Senior Research Fellow for Northeast Asia in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation.
On March 24, Pyongyang successfully test-launched an ICBM—but not the missile that it claimed to have launched.
The regime may have been embarrassed about an earlier failure of its newest ICBM and substituted an earlier model to ensure success.
North Korea will assuredly try again to test its large multiple-warhead ICBM and, having now rescinded its moratorium on major provocations, is more likely to conduct another nuclear test as well.
Pyongyang’s escalatory behavior will exacerbate tensions in the region and necessitate stronger allied responses.
