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North Korea has announced its intention to launch another “satellite” in the coming days, causing worry among its neighboring countries and the international community. The Japanese government, in response to this news, has issued instructions to ensure the safety and security of its people. This is particularly concerning as a satellite launcher has the potential to be repurposed as a long-range missile.

One of the concerns is the possibility of falling debris near shipping areas. As a precaution, maritime warnings have been issued in South Korea and Japan. North Korea’s previous attempt at a launch in May 2023 ended with an unexpected splashdown in the Yellow Sea, further raising doubts about their capabilities.

The debris recovered from the last launch had no military utility, despite North Korea’s claims of surveillance capabilities. Despite this failure, North Korea has vowed to try again soon, setting a launch window between August 24 and 31.

The Japanese Prime Minister’s statement emphasizes the need for restraint and coordination with the United States, South Korea, and other concerned countries. Safety is one of the reasons for this call, as well as the potential for dual use of the launch platform. North Korea’s possession of nuclear weapons and their desire for long-range missile capabilities pose a threat not only to nearby nations, but also to far-off countries like the United States.

Furthermore, there are concerns about North Korea’s offensive cyber-operations, including the theft of rocket plans from Russia and cryptocurrency theft to fund their weapons programs. These actions raise significant ethical and security concerns, especially considering the struggles of the North Korean population.

Despite North Korea’s isolation from most nations, it remains China’s sole formal ally, limiting the response from the international community to protests and precautionary measures. The world watches with caution as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un orders yet another launch.

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