TOKYO — On Monday, North Korea informed Japan that it intends to launch a satellite in the coming days, possibly to deploy its first military reconnaissance satellite. The launch window provided by North Korean waterway authorities is from May 31 to June 11, and the launch may affect waters in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and east of the Philippines' Luzon Island.
To ensure safety, Japan's coast guard issued a warning to ships in the area during those dates due to potential risks from falling debris. The coast guard of Japan is responsible for coordinating and disseminating maritime safety information in East Asia, which is likely why it received the notice from North Korea.
It is important to note that launching a satellite into space would require the use of long-range missile technology, which is prohibited by United Nations Security Council resolutions. Previous launches of Earth observation satellites by North Korea have been viewed as disguised missile tests.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, stated that the planned satellite launch by North Korea would violate UN resolutions and pose a threat to the peace and safety of Japan, the region, and the international community. In response, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada ordered Japan's Self Defense Force to be prepared to shoot down the satellite or any debris that might enter Japanese territory.
Matsuno also expressed concerns that the satellite could potentially pass over or enter Japan's southwestern islands, including Okinawa, where major US military bases and a large number of troops are stationed. Japan has already been on high alert for falling missile debris from previous North Korean launches earlier this year. As a precaution, Japan has deployed missile defense systems like PAC-3 and ship-to-air interceptors in the southwestern part of the country.
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed officials to gather and analyze information regarding North Korea's planned satellite launch and keep the public informed. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had earlier inspected a military spy satellite and approved its launch plan. The type of satellite was not specified in the launch notice.
South Korea recently launched its first commercial-grade satellite, which may enable it to launch its own military spy satellite later and develop more powerful missiles. North Korea has launched Earth observation satellites before, and while it typically does not provide advance notice of missile launches, it has previously issued notices for satellite launches.
North Korea's satellite launch capabilities have raised doubts about the functionality of their satellites, as previous ones did not transmit imagery back to the country. Kim Jong Un aims to develop advanced weapons systems, including spy satellites, ICBMs, submarines, hypersonic missiles, and multi-warhead missiles. The satellite launch plan comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea conducting over 100 missile tests since 2022.
The tests have put the U.S., South Korea, and Japan within striking distance. North Korea argues the tests are in response to joint military exercises, but observers believe they seek to modernize their weapons program and gain concessions in future negotiations. The recent live-fire drills by South Korea and the U.S. near the border with North Korea have prompted warnings of consequences from North Korea, who perceives them as a war scenario for aggression.