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North Korea has informed Japan of its plans to launch a satellite in the coming days, possibly making a second attempt at putting a military spy satellite into orbit. The first attempt in May ended in failure when the rocket carrying the spy satellite plunged into the sea soon after liftoff. North Korea vowed to analyze the failure and make a second attempt.

Though the notice did not specify the type of satellite that North Korea intends to launch, it is believed to be similar to the spy satellite from the previous launch. The launch is expected to occur between August 24th and the end of August 30th. North Korea mentioned three maritime zones that could potentially be affected by the launch. As a precautionary measure, Japan issued safety warnings for vessels passing through these areas.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed government agencies to analyze the plan and coordinate with the United States and South Korea to urge North Korea not to proceed with the launch. This comes as North Korea is expected to continue its missile tests in response to the U.S.-South Korean military drills taking place for the next 11 days. North Korea perceives these drills as a rehearsal for invasion.

The recent trilateral summit between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan focused on increasing defense cooperation to address North Korea’s nuclear and military threats. However, North Korea’s state media warned that the drills are heightening the risk of a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has conducted over 100 weapons tests in the past year, some involving nuclear-capable missiles targeting the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

If North Korea proceeds with the satellite launch, it would violate UN Security Council resolutions banning the country from engaging in any ballistic activities. The first spy satellite launch in May raised tensions in the region. South Korea’s military investigation revealed that the retrieved wreckage of the satellite rocket was not advanced enough for military reconnaissance as claimed by North Korea.

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