North Korea has officially renounced a five-year-old agreement with South Korea aimed at mitigating military tensions following Pyongyang’s claim of a successful spy satellite launch. The move comes as a response to South Korea’s partial suspension of the agreement, announcing a resumption of surveillance flights along the border. North Korea, in turn, vows a complete suspension of the pact, announcing plans to deploy stronger forces and advanced military equipment to the border region.
In a statement, North Korea declared its intention to no longer abide by the September 19 North-South Military Agreement, promising to withdraw measures taken to prevent military conflict in various domains. The announcement includes plans to deploy “more powerful armed forces and new-type military hardware” in the border region. The recent escalation began with North Korea’s rocket launch, purportedly carrying the Malligyong-1 spy satellite, which they declared a success.
South Korea condemned the launch, leading officials to resume surveillance operations along the border, a violation of the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement. The pact, signed by leaders of both nations, aimed to de-escalate tensions and prevent potential conflicts by establishing a no-fly zone, but North Korea has repeatedly breached the agreement in recent years, including missile launches and drone incursions.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s formal withdrawal from the deal might not significantly alter the situation, given its previous non-compliance. The ongoing blame game and threats of retaliation between the two nations are seen by some as a “political tit-for-tat” rather than an immediate indication of a military collision. The outcome remains uncertain, contingent on North Korea’s subsequent actions.
Retired South Korean Army Lieutenant General Chun In-bum anticipates North Korea’s efforts to make life difficult for the South, potentially showcasing artillery along the border and deploying more drones. South Korea’s defence minister warned of firm punishment if North Korea leverages the suspension for provocations. The recent satellite launch, part of North Korea’s military plan outlined in 2021, holds strategic significance, allowing potential monitoring of US and South Korean military movements on the Korean Peninsula. However, the claims of monitoring US military bases with the new satellite remain unverified by independent sources.
