By Alex Jensen
SEOUL
North Korea could test a ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland United States this year, a South Korean daily reported Thursday, as Washington cautioned Pyongyang against provoking instability.
Following Wednesday’s revelation that the North had upgraded the launch station from which it propelled a satellite in 2012, the JoongAng Ilbo quoted a “high-ranking” Seoul official as claiming that at least two engine combustion tests this year suggest that Pyongyang’s missile range has been extended to about 10,000 kilometers.
The South Korean defense ministry had earlier gone on record forecasting a significant provocation by North Korea in line with the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the authoritarian state’s Workers’ Party on Oct. 10.
However, the North is barred by the United Nations Security Council from using ballistic missile technology after a series of test launches and nuclear tests in recent years.
Yet Pyongyang shows few signs of pulling back from its development of weapons, having also announced the launch of a missile from a submarine earlier this year. The move represented a further warning sign to its old enemies the U.S. and South Korea, where nearly 30,000 American military personnel are stationed.
“We continue to stress that destabilizing activities, whether they are shows of force or otherwise, are unhelpful to peace and security on the peninsula,” U.S. State Department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
The Koreas technically remain at war after an armistice, rather than a peace treaty, brought the 1950-53 Korean War to a close.
