North Korea claimed on the 30th that it had “captured images of the U.S. naval base in San Diego and the U.S. Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan” through its reconnaissance satellite. This follows previous claims of photographing U.S. military bases in Guam and Hawaii, once again showcasing the effectiveness of its satellite. However, the actual satellite images have not been made public.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on the day that “The Pyongyang Comprehensive Control Center of the National Aerospace Development Administration reported the photo data and detailed control information about the reconnaissance satellite taken on the previous day to Kim Jong Un.” The San Diego naval base was photographed at 2:24 am, and the Kadena Air Base at 10:16 am, both in Pyongyang time. The news agency conveyed that “Kim expressed great expectations and satisfaction.”
North Korea has previously claimed to have photographed the U.S. military bases in South Korea, Guam, and Hawaii after launching its first reconnaissance satellite on the 21st. However, the related photos have not been made public. The U.S. Department of Defense downplayed this by stating, “There are plenty of Pentagon and White House photos on the Internet.”
North Korea also criticized the U.S. and South Korea for suspending some provisions of the 9.19 inter-Korean military agreement with their government. In a commentary on the 30th, the Korean Central News Agency claimed, “They manipulated the suspension of the effectiveness of some provisions of the North-South Military Agreement based on our legitimate reconnaissance satellite launch, which is part of our proud right to self-defense” and referred to it as “the reckless act of a traitorous faction that even pulled out the last ‘safety ring’ with its own hands.” The commentary also criticized the docking of the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson in South Korea, stating, “South Korea has concretized the provocation of a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula by regularly bringing in nuclear strategic assets and annualizing tripartite joint military exercises with the U.S. and Japan.”
Kim Yo Jong, Deputy Director of the Workers’ Party of North Korea, also asserted the legitimacy of the reconnaissance satellite launch in a statement on the day. In her statement released through the Korean Central News Agency, Deputy Director Kim said, “The sovereignty of a sovereign state can never be a subject of negotiation,” and mentioned, “The main threat to international peace and security comes from the United States’ hegemony and high-handedness.” She further stated, “Our efforts to grow everything that belongs to sovereign rights will continue,” revealing her intention to continue satellite development.
By. Kang Dong Hyo
Most Commented