Tension on The Korean Peninsula

 

Tensions are rising once more between North Korea and South Korea. Joint drills that South Korea conducts with the United States has only resulted in more missile launches. North Korea has conducted nuclear tests and could in the future become one of the major nuclear armed nations. The Korean War in the 20th century never resulted in peace treaty. That means both North and South Korea have been in a state of war since 1953. Japan also grows concerned with North Korea's missile launches. These weapons tend to fly over Japan or land in the ocean rather than hitting a target. Over the years tensions have occurred and then are reduced. The difference now is that sanctions, joint military drills, and the Asia pivot have made North Korea vexed. This is not about getting attention. North Korea has been on the mind of the United States for a long period of time. The country has been targeted for regime change, but the possibility of that is limited by China. A US and South Korean strike would trigger a reaction from one of Asia's most powerful nations. The failed talks over sanctions and the nuclear weapons program have resulted in a desire to ensure North Korea's security from future military intervention. The launch of ballistic missiles is more of an act of defiance to South Korea and the United States. Both the US and South Korea have been conducting a series of war games. The nuclear tests will continue as long as North Korea thinks it will be attacked by both the United States and South Korea. China does not want North Korea to become too powerful. If it does it will have another regional competitor and a country that is not dependent on it. North Korea has had a total of six nuclear tests. A seventh nuclear tests could be underway. Kim Jong Un expressed his desire to increase the strength of North Korea's military. The emphasis on missile tests and the nuclear program is just a part of that policy.