Japan on Alert as N. Korea Plans to Launch 'Satellite'

Image copyright: VOA [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

  • Japan on Monday put its ballistic missile defenses on alert, vowing to use its Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) or Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) to destroy any projectile that threatened its territory.

  • This comes as Japan's Defense Ministry issued an order to shoot down any North Korean missile that enters its territory after Pyongyang notified Tokyo of its intention to launch a "satellite" in the coming two weeks.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

North Korea's satellite launch is a dangerous provocation that cannot be allowed to proceed. A working spy satellite would strengthen Pyongyang's ability to conduct a pre-emptive strike as well as monitor potential incoming threats from the US and South Korea.

Establishment-critical narrative

North Korea's satellite program is simply defensive in nature. Pyongyang has a right to exercise its sovereignty and justifiable self-defense in response to the confrontational moves made by Washington and Seoul. A successful launch will help defend North Korea against future attacks by the hegemonic US and South Korea.


Metaculus Prediction


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