The 250 missile launchers that paraded through the square of Pyongyang are not just a military display but also a statement of North Korea's presence on the global stage. This action has stirred up waves in the international community and prompted deep contemplation about the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Why does North Korea choose to display its military might so prominently? What strategic intentions lie behind this move?
The Hwasong-11 tactical missile showcased by North Korea originates from the former Soviet Union, but with North Korea's own improvements, it has acquired considerable striking capabilities. The presence of 250 launchers implies that North Korea could launch a saturation attack on targets in a short period, undoubtedly exerting military pressure on neighboring countries. According to South Korea's Ministry of National Defense's 2023 Defense White Paper, North Korea possesses approximately 700 long-range artillery pieces capable of directly threatening the Seoul metropolitan area. The missiles displayed this time undoubtedly enhance North Korea's military deterrence.
The purpose of North Korea's actions is not merely to flaunt its military prowess. Trapped in international sanctions, North Korea is attempting to force the international community to reassess its strategic position by showcasing its military strength, aiming to gain more leverage in future negotiations. The situation on the Korean Peninsula is intricate, involving the interests of major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and Japan. North Korea is well-versed in the rules of geopolitical games and is trying to use the competition among major powers to seek the greatest benefits for itself.
To understand North Korea's behavioral logic, one must comprehend its historical experiences and current predicaments. The pain left by the Korean War, along with long-standing hostility and pressure from the outside world, has made North Korea highly vigilant about its own security. North Korea views the development of military strength as the only way to safeguard national security, for which it has paid a heavy economic price.
An arms race is not a solution. North Korea's tough stance will only escalate regional tensions and is not conducive to the peaceful resolution of issues on the peninsula. In 2017, the situation on the Korean Peninsula was once on the brink of war, with both the United States and North Korea issuing threats of war, causing widespread concern in the international community. The lessons of history tell us that dialogue and cooperation are the only way to resolve the issues on the peninsula.
Faced with the complex situation on the Korean Peninsula, the international community needs to remain calm and restrained, avoiding any actions that could escalate the situation. All parties should actively seek dialogue and cooperation to promote the denuclearization process on the peninsula and provide security guarantees for North Korea, fundamentally addressing its security concerns.
China, as a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, has been committed to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula and has played a constructive role in promoting the political resolution of the peninsula's issues. In 2018, China actively facilitated the historic meeting between the leaders of the North and South, making a significant contribution to easing the situation on the peninsula. China will continue to steadfastly follow the path of peaceful development and contribute to regional peace and stability.
The future of North Korea is in the hands of the North Korean people. We hope that North Korea can seize opportunities, follow the trend of the times, and choose a development path that aligns with its own interests, contributing to the peace and prosperity of the peninsula. This requires not only the efforts of North Korea itself but also the joint support and assistance of the international community.
The 250 missile launchers are a signal, a warning, and a call from North Korea. They remind us that peace is not easily won and must be cherished. They also call on us to work together to create a future of peace on the peninsula. What do you think the future of the Korean Peninsula will be? How should the international community respond to North Korea's actions?