By Hyunmin Kang
Another provocation from Pyongyang, but the words this time around are interesting.
On February 27, North Korea launched four projectiles believed to be short-range ballistic missiles from Kitdaeryong in Anbyon, Kangwon province. This was followed by another missile launch several days later, when the reclusive country launched two additional projectiles from Wonsan region, almost hitting a Chinese commercial jet. The tests are most likely a protest against “Key Resolve” and “Foal Eagle,” U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises that began on February 24 and will continue until April 18.
This somewhat platitudinous juncture may once again trigger the question of what the family reunions and preceding interaction between the two Koreas were all about. If one considers only the act of launching the projectiles, it may seem to imply another setback for the stability of inter-Korean relations, possibly in contradiction to the mildly positive outlook of my previous article on the implications of family reunions.
However, foreign policy is analyzed not only by deeds but also by words. Especially in a one-man regime like North Korea, official utterances take on great significance. With that in mind, one could reach the surprising conclusion that this year North Korea may actually be trying to keep the missile issue out of inter-Korean relations. Look carefully into the statements made by North Korea concerning the launches, and you will find that North Korea is explicitly refraining from criticizing or even directly mentioning South Korea.
Read the full story at The Diplomat