All articles tagged with #nuclear ambitions
China has intensified its criticism of Japan's recent moves towards nuclear armament, accusing Tokyo of violating non-nuclear principles and threatening regional stability, while Japan denies these claims amid ongoing tensions over defense policies and regional security concerns.
North Korea has warned that Japan's nuclear ambitions must be stopped at any cost following a Tokyo official's suggestion that Japan should acquire nuclear weapons, highlighting escalating tensions over regional security.
Iran successfully launches its Sorayya satellite into orbit, reaching the highest orbit yet at 750 km, using a three-stage solid-fuel rocket. The move raises Western concerns about Tehran's nuclear ambitions and its potential for long-range ballistic technology. The U.S. military believes the satellite launch technology could also be used for longer-range weapons, but Iran denies this, stating that it has never pursued nuclear weapons.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to launch three new spy satellites in 2024, intensifying military developments amidst deteriorating relations with South Korea. Kim declared unification with the South no longer possible, citing Seoul's adversarial stance. North Korea's recent activities, including the launch of an advanced long-range missile and the deployment of a spy satellite, have escalated tensions, particularly with South Korea enhancing defense cooperation with the US. Kim's rhetoric suggests a heightened state of readiness for potential conflict, emphasizing the need to strengthen nuclear and missile forces. South Korea's defense ministry warned of an overwhelming retaliation should Pyongyang use nuclear weapons.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul expresses concern that North Korea may demand concessions from the United States in exchange for releasing American soldier Travis King, who recently fled across the border from South Korea. McCaul suggests that when countries like Russia, China, and Iran capture American soldiers, they often exact a price for their release. It remains unclear why King fled, but McCaul believes it was a serious mistake and hopes for his safe return. The incident occurs as the US docks a nuclear ballistic missile submarine in South Korea to project strength and deter aggression from North Korea and China. McCaul acknowledges the failure of past negotiation and pressure tactics and suggests the need for creative diplomacy and potential military cooperation with North Korea in future operations involving China.