North Korea resumes long-range missile tests to pressure the US
The visit suggests Kim Jong-un is considering resuming long-range missile tests to pressure the US.
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Kim Jong-un inspects a precision machinery factory. Photo:KCNA. |
North Korea's state-run news agency KCNA released images of leader Kim Jong-un inspecting a series of machinery factories today, but did not say when the trip took place. Experts said these are all facilities that are part of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program.
"This is the heart of North Korea's defense industry. Similar inspections took place in 2016 and 2017 when Pyongyang was preparing to test an ICBM," said Jeffrey Lewis, an expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in the US.
Kim Jong-un inspected the February 8 Machine Building Plant, which produces ICBM launchers and was also the site of the Hwasong-14 missile launch in mid-2017. The North Korean leader also visited key facilities in the ballistic missile program in the northern city of Kanggye.
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Kim Jong-un inspects the Hwasong-14 missile factory in mid-2017. Photo:KCNA. |
The information was released in the context of the deadlock in denuclearization negotiations between the US and North Korea. Pyongyang launched short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and May 9, after 18 months without conducting any weapons tests.
Experts say this move shows that Kim Jong-un is considering resuming nuclear and long-range missile tests and returning to a drastic strategy to increase pressure and force US President Donald Trump to make concessions during negotiations.
