The South Korean military reported that North Korea fired three Rodong-type midrange missiles just after midday. The missiles landed in the Sea of Japan after reaching about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles).
The missile launch comes on the back of the G-20 summit in Beijing, China. South Korea has pleaded with China to drop its opposition to a US backed missile defense shield. The North Korean bravado has made the shield seem far more necessary. As China continues to rise in global stature, most indications are that their opposition will stay.
Despite China’s opposition, South Korea is committed to deploying the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or Thaad, missile defense system by the end of 2017.
The Iran Link
It has been known by observers for years that a secret pact between Iran and North Korea allows both to continue development separately and yet merge success together. It is clear that while Iran has pushed forward with its nuclear program, the North Koreans have worked hard at perfect ballistic missiles. Now that Iran has begun to see itself normalized within a broader international framework, continued cooperation between the Iranians and North Koreans is assured.
This cooperation not only endangers the South Koreans, but Israel as well. With neither the Iranians or North Koreans prevented from building weapons of mass destruction, both sides can work together in sowing destruction on their enemies.