Nuclear - Articles

North Korea's 'Satellite' Launch and International Responses

Vidisha Shukla
Research Intern, IPCS
e-mail: vidisha@ipcs.org

North Korea launched 'Kwangmyongsong-2,' an experimental communications satellite, by carrier rocket 'Unha-2' on 5 April. Despite, numerous reports that it was not a satellite but a rocket that could be used for long-range missiles, North Korea, however has been firm on its stand that it was a satellite launch. There are also suspicions, that North Korea has repeatedly broken its promises to shelve its nuclear program. Was it a satellite or missile launch? Is regional security under threat? What are the major international concerns?

The US, South Korea and Japan suspect that the launch, is a prelude to testing North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile, Taepodong-2. Several countries have criticized North Korea, for threatening the security of the region and violating the UN resolutions, by developing a long-range missile. 

At the international level, there is a majority consensus, that North Korea has launched a rocket for long-range missiles, which is in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1718. The UNSC has condemned North Korea, and called for full implementation of existing sanctions under the UNSCR 1718. Obama, the US President has made his point clear during a speech in Prague on nuclear disarmament and condemned North Korea for repeatedly breaking the rules. He has also called for strong action. 

Where does India stand on this issue? New Delhi has not made any specific comment on this issue, except stating India could not comment on the nature of this event. Such events are under the realm of UNSC, if it was a missile launch; or under IAEA, if it was a part of North Korea’s nuclear weapon programme. Clearly, India’s position is ambiguous.

Why has India not taken any clear stand on the issue? Is it because it has not signed the NPT and CTBT that it does not want to comment on this important issue? If it is an experimental communications satellite launch, then India is right in considering that every country has a right to develop indigenous scientific and technological skills. But, what if, as a section amongst the international community fear – this was actually a rocket launch for long-range missiles?

India has reason to be worried, for the several reasons. It has been proved beyond any doubt that North Korea’s nuclear programme got illegal support and supply from Pakistan and AQ Khan. The linkages between North Korea and Pakistan form part of a global proliferation network. The fear of non-state actors, including terrorist groups tapping into this illegal network cannot be completely ruled out. More importantly, for the help it has received from AQ Khan in nuclear matters, North Korea has helped Pakistan build its missile programme. Clearly, India has much to worry, if the recent launch is a prelude to North Korea’s unveiling its long-range missile. 

From an Indian perspective, North Korea should be refrained from any further ballistic missile launches as it uses this tactic repeatedly in pushing for greater attention and concessions. Efforts should be made to make North Korea return to the Six-Party Talks, which are deadlocked over how to verify its past and current nuclear activities. Meanwhile, on the issue of this current launch, China and Russia have opposed any effort by the US and its allies to adopt any legally-binding resolution, siding with North Korea's claim that the 5 April rocket launch was part of a peaceful space program. As China and Russia hold veto power in the UNSC, they both have made clear that they would use their veto power to block any resolution imposing new sanctions on Pyongyang. So for the US and its allies, it would be a difficult task. 

At such junctures all nations must come together to build a stronger, global regime and must stand shoulder to shoulder to pressure the North Korea to change course. Rules must be binding. Violations must be punished. Words must mean something. The world must stand together to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. If North Korea has moved further towards nuclear weapons, now is the time for a strong international response and North Korea must know that the path to security and respect will never come through threats and illegal weapons.

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