North Korea Tests Suspected Submarine-Launched Missile

MAY 7 2022·Updated JAN 20 2023

Story

Image credit: AP [via New York Times]

The Facts

On Sat., North Korea tested a short-range ballistic missile that is suspected to have been launched by a submarine. It was the nation's 15th missile test this year, and second last week.
nytimes
The missile was launched from waters near the coastal city of Sinpo and flew 372 miles, according to the South Korean military.
nytimes
This was North Korea's first launch of an SLBM since Oct. 2021, and came just three days before the inauguration of South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol.
wapo
In Mar., North Korea claimed to have tested the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, a weapon which is potentially capable of reaching the US.
Al Jazeera
US Pres. Biden will make his first trip to Asia this month, scheduled to take place between May 20-24. He reportedly plans to consult with allies on escalating threats from China and North Korea.
New York Post

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

North Korea's actions pose a severe threat to the stability of the Korean peninsula and the security of the rest of the world. The US has so far failed to negotiate an end to nuclear weapons in exchange for humanitarian aid - it's time for some new ideas about how to resolve this threat.

wapo

Establishment-critical narrative

Though Kim may seem like a madman, he's simply using the only leverage he has in dealing with South Korea and the US. His nuclear ambitions are designed to seek political gains and sanctions relief, after successive American administrations derailed diplomatic routes to denuclearization.

AntiWar