The announcement by North Korean TV. The missile flew to an altitude of 4,475 km. Kim Jong-un: Responsible nuclear power, but we will fight against imperialist blackmail of the US. The fears of experts.
Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - North Korea announced today that its missiles are ready to reach any point in US territory. Through state TV Pyongyang claims to have tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (Icbm) that reached an altitude of 4,475 km and travelled 950 km in its 53 minute flight. At a reduced altitude, the missile could have travlled 13,000 km.
The TV report relays the words of Kim Jong-un, proudly announcing that he has completed the nuclear power program of the country, defining it as "responsible", albeit advising that strategic defense weapons have been developed to counter the "nuclear blackmail of the imperialist United States". The missile was launched today north of Pyongyang and landed in the Sea of Japan.
Experts call this test worrying because it brings North Korea closer to the goal of developing nuclear Icbms capable of reaching the United States. However, according to some analysts, Pyongyang's technology is still lagging behind in the missile return phase, a key element because it allows the head to withstand the high heat and pressure of crossing the earth's atmosphere.
"North Korea seems to have limited the provocations to gain time to improve its technology, not to handle the security situation," says Cho Sung-ryul, South Korean expert researcher at the National Security Strategic Institute (Inns).
The test comes at a historic moment in the relationship between Pyongyang and Washington. On November 20, US President Donald Trump reintegrated North Korea into the list of States that sponsor terrorism. China also seems to have less influence on its historic ally: Kim Jong-un refused to meet Xi Jinping's special envoy who was in Pyongyang for a four-day trip two weeks ago.