South Korea Suspends Military Pact Amidst North Korean Spy Satellite Launch
In response to North Korea's recent claim of successfully launching a spy satellite into space, South Korea has suspended parts of the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement with its northern neighbour. The move, announced by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, underscores rising tensions after Pyongyang's rocket launch, which South Korea views as a threat to its security.
The suspension of the military pact means that South Korea will resume surveillance flights along its border with North Korea, violating the established no-fly zone and risking increasing tensions further. This decision follows concerns expressed by Seoul about the vulnerability created by the agreement, which restricted its ability to conduct aerial surveillance along the border. The South Korean government argues that the deal had left it exposed to potential attacks by prohibiting the deployment of surveillance aircraft and reconnaissance drones in the region.
This latest satellite launch marks North Korea's third attempt this year to place a spy satellite into orbit. South Korean officials believe that Pyongyang may have received technical support from Moscow, possibly as part of a broader agreement involving military expertise. However, there is no concrete evidence to confirm such assistance from Russia.
While North Korea hailed the launch of its Malligyong-1 spy satellite as a success, South Korea, along with the United States, have condemned the move. The satellite's entry into orbit has been confirmed by South Korea's military, although its functionality remains uncertain at this early stage.
US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson warned that North Korea's actions risk destabilising the security situation in the region and beyond. Developing a functioning spy satellite aligns with North Korea's broader military plan outlined by leader Kim Jong Un in January 2021. The technology could enable Pyongyang to monitor the movements of US and South Korean troops on the Korean Peninsula, enhancing the precision of its nuclear attacks.
The suspension of the Comprehensive Military Agreement, aimed at de-escalating tensions, has raised concerns about the potential for increased cross-border combat. While some experts argue that the agreement had successfully deterred North Korea, others believe that tensions have already resumed, and South Korea needed to respond. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the fallout of this decision.
