North Korea’s Missile Test: A Show of Force
North Korea’s recent test-fire of a new cruise missile has heightened tensions in the region, prompting condemnation from South Korea and China’s denouncement of U.S. naval activities in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted its own transit of Japanese straits, while the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) commenced its regional presence deployments. Australia and Japan also signed an agreement to enhance strategic capabilities in robotic and autonomous systems for undersea warfare.
North Korea’s Cruise Missile Test
On Wednesday, North Korea conducted a test-fire of a new cruise missile, marking the first known launch of such a missile since January 2023. The test, confirmed by state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), was part of a “constant updating of the weapon system” and was conducted without any impact on neighboring countries, according to the report. However, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that North Korea fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea, prompting condemnation from South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-Sik.
Cruise Missiles and Regional Security
While UN resolutions on North Korea do not explicitly ban cruise missiles, their ability to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads poses a significant threat to South Korea and U.S. forces in the region. Cruise missiles, unlike ballistic missiles, fly at low altitudes and can evade detection and interception systems, making them a formidable threat.
China’s Response: Denouncing Taiwan Strait Transit
In a separate development, China’s Eastern Theater Command denounced the passage of USS John Finn (DDG-113) through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. The command accused the U.S. military of “maliciously undermining regional peace and stability” through its provocative actions.
Chinese Navy’s Transit of Japanese Straits
Meanwhile, the PLAN conducted its own transit of an international water strait on Thursday. Two PLAN vessels, destroyer CNS Zhengzhou (151) and frigate CNS Changzhou (549), were sighted sailing north through the Osumi Strait and the East China Sea. The passage of PLAN ships through Japanese straits is not uncommon, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) routinely shadows their voyage.
Australia’s Regional Presence Deployment
The RAN has commenced its annual regional presence deployments with the departure of frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH152) from Sydney. The three-month deployment will see the ship participate in exercises, cooperative activities, and joint patrols with partner navies in South Asia and Southeast Asia. The deployment is part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to maintain a near-continuous presence in the region and support regional security and stability.
Australia-Japan Collaboration on Underwater Warfare
On Tuesday, Australia and Japan signed an agreement to enhance strategic capabilities in robotic and autonomous systems for undersea warfare. The research project, a collaboration between Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and Japan’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA), aims to contribute to strategic capabilities in undersea communication and interoperability between the two countries.
A Call for Regional Diplomacy
North Korea’s missile test, China’s denunciation of U.S. naval activities, and the ongoing military maneuvers in the region underscore the need for continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.