North Korea on Monday vowed to launch another satellite after its failed attempt in May.
A report published by state mouthpiece the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) outlined “the security environment on the Korean peninsula, which is complicated and seriously changing out of control.”
In reference to the joint military drills carried out by South Korea and the US in the region, the report noted that the security environment on the peninsula had deteriorated “extremely” due to “the hostile forces’ reckless war provocation manoeuvres” despite the North’s “patience and warnings.”
In light of this, the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Party suggested that Pyongyang should “speed up the ceaseless renewal of its military potential” and “strengthen its self-defence capability.”
“Most Serious Flaw”
It reflected that “the most serious flaw” had been “the failure in launching a military reconnaissance satellite” on 31 May, which was “a crucial strategic project in the space development sector.”
NEW: North Korea’s ruling party has concluded a three-day plenum, in which the country’s leadership pledged to boost production of “powerful nuclear weapons” and advance space development despite the "severe defect" of a recent satellite launch failure.
— NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) June 18, 2023
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During the meeting, the “irresponsibility” of the officials in charge of the launch was “sharply criticised.”
The committee noted that although all major goals for national defence development are essential, “but among them, the military reconnaissance satellite development project is of great significance in thoroughly preparing the development prospects of our armed forces and preparations for fight.”
South Korea Salvages Debris
The news comes after South Korea reported last week that it successfully salvaged a large chunk of a rocket launched by North Korea, after 15 days of rescue operations.
On Thursday night, the debris was lifted from the seabed about 75m deep in the waters 200 km southwest of Eocheong Island.
The operation included “10 naval rescue ships, minesweepers, and dozens of deep-sea divers.” The JCS added that there had been “difficulties in lifting” the wreckage “due to cylindrical debris.”
The salvaged object has been transported to the Agency for Defence Development for joint analysis by South Korea and the US.