North Korea ignores South's phone calls 5 days in a row, likely protesting US military drills
FOX NewsDec 24, 2022
North Korea's Kim Orders Launch of First Spy Satellite
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Image copyright: KCNA/Reuters [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that his country had completed the development of its first military spy satellite and ordered its launch to proceed at an undisclosed date, the state-run KCNA news agency reported on Wednesday.
Given what he described as "threats" by the US and South Korea, he ordered the deployment of several reconnaissance satellites during a visit to North Korea's space agency on Tuesday and declared the expansion of intelligence-gathering capabilities a national priority.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
North Korea's development of a spy satellite, along with its first test launch of a solid-fueled ICBM, is the direct result of ongoing US military threats against the nation under the guise of strengthening regional security. By using South Korea for its aggressive imperial agenda, Washington is threatening North Korea's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If the US proceeds on its path of escalation, North Korea reserves the right to resort to using pre-emptive military force to ensure its security.
Pro-establishment narrative
North Korea's spy satellite, together with the regime's frequent missile tests, only underscores the mounting threat the North poses to South Korea and regional stability. But Kim's saber-rattling will only strengthen South Korea's alliance with the US and its will to defend its territorial integrity. Kim understands only the language of power, and stepped-up US deterrence is the only way to protect South Korea from the aggressor while forcing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.
