On March 29, North Korea launched a projectile from a location near the port city of Wonsan. The ballistic missile or artillery shell traveled about 125 miles on a northeast path, in other words, toward China, landing near the border.South Korean Defense Ministry analysts speculate that the North originally planned to fire the projectile out to sea but changed plans and pointed it inland instead due to last-minute problems. That seems highly unlikely, however, because if there were indeed problems they would not risk firing into China.
The NightWatch site maintains that the trajectory was intentional as well as "unprecedented." In all probability, the North Koreans meant to send a hostile message to Beijing.
| As in, "we don't need your oil, food, money and diplomatic cover anymore!"? |
| That warms the deepest cockles of my heart... |
There are those who believe that Beijing and Pyongyang are actually staging a drama for the benefit of outside observers, engaging in "kabuki," in other words, maintaining an elaborate deception and denial campaign.
| "Those" include me... |
At this moment, however, the tension between the two states seems real.
| Not sure that is true but would be very pleased if so... |