by Joseph Yun Li-sun

Three Japanese Aegis destroyers armed with SM-3 missile interceptors are heading to the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan to halt Pyongyang's threat. Between 10 and 22 December, North Korea is set to launch a rocket. A South Korean government source told AsiaNews that "we do not know" what it is, but "we are ready" for anything.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - Tensions are rising again in East Asia. In view of North Korea's planned missile test, Japan has put its missile defence system on alert. Japanese television showed three Aegis destroyers armed with SM-3 missile interceptors reportedly heading for the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.

In a statement, North Korea said it would launch an Unha-3 rocket to place a communication satellite in orbit. Some analysts believe in fact the test is for a nuclear-capable intercontinental missile. According to Japanese intelligence sources, a team of Iranian nuclear technicians has been in the country.

"We do not have exact data because they are impossible to collect," a South Korean Interior Ministry source told AsiaNews. "A launching pad is visible and there is activity around it. But we do not know if it is for a satellite or a missile. [. . .] Of course, Pyongyang has never been interested in anything other than weapons," but "We are ready."

Despite appeals for a suspension of the test, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that increased activities were spotted "near fuel storage at the Dongchang-ri launch site in the North's northwest, where a three-stage rocket has been installed since earlier this week."

The launch could take place any time between 10 and 22 December, a wide enough range to factor in snow, but one that is highly symbolic as well since 17 December will mark the first anniversary of the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il and South korra will hold its presidential election on 19 December.

The United Nations Security council warned North Korea a few days ago the risks of an "extremely deplorable" initiative that could lead to more international sanctions.

So far, North Korea has carried out two nuclear tests, in 2006 and 2009, using weapon-grade plutonium. Pyongyang also carried out a satellite launch back in April, a disguised misled test according to western powers since it used the same technology.

The test failed a few seconds in flight, with the rocket falling into the sea, and the money spent, US$ 850 million, could have solved the country's food problems for six years.

For its part, South Korea has called on its northern counterpart to give its missile programme and pay Seoul back for the hundreds of millions of doolars in food aid provided over the years.

Between, 2000 and 2007, South Korea provided the North with 2.6 million tonnes of aid worth US$ 720 million, to be paid back over 20 years with easy credit conditions. The first instalment of US$ 8.53 was due last June.

By contrast, a South Korean report noted that this year alone, Pyongyang spent US$ 1.3 billion on missile development.

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• south
• korea
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• test