The three countries South Korea, the US and Japan decided to strengthen security ties and cooperation after threats from North Korea rose through missile development. North Korea recently tested its first ever solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM); as a result forwarding the three countries to a conversation over missile defense exercises. Additionally, addressing North Korea’s continuous violations of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. A joint statement between the three countries also stated that if North Korea were to conduct a nuclear test (last time was 2017), it would be met with a large and strong response from the international community.
The strengthening of ties between the three counties represents the true threat North Korea’s missile advancements would have on an international level beyond the region. The usage of this missile would mean that North Korea would be able to deploy missiles faster and stronger during war time. Additionally, despite South Korea and Japan’s proximity, their relations aren’t the strongest; therefore also highlighting how North Korea’s advancements are calling for other global actors to unexpectedly work together. North Korea’s possible tests have also pushed the US into high military joint exercises with South Korea as a step of precaution and preparation.
This relates to what we discussed in class because it engages the overall idea of how advancements made by other global actors will often if not always impact other actors to an extent. Whether that be shown through collaboration, combat or disassociation.