A North Korean Missile Test: Implications for the U.S. and the Region

Publication Date: November 2005

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Balbina Y. Hwang

Research Area: International relations

Keywords: Asia and the Pacific; missiles

Type: Brief

Coverage: Korea (North)

Abstract:

According to international intelligence reports, for the last five weeks, North Korea has been steadily moving towards a test launch of the Taepodong 2, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range up to 6,000 kilometers - enough to reach Alaska. Satellite intelligence reveals that Pyongyang has loaded booster rockets onto a launch pad in Musuduan-ri, in the North Hamkyong Province of northeastern North Korea, and moved fuel tanks in preparation for fueling. This action is in violation of North Korea's international agreements and appears designed to goad the United States into direct bilateral talks. The U.S. must not take the bait. No good will come from rewarding North Korea for its belligerent behavior.