NORTH KOREA: THINGS ARE STARTING TO HAPPEN (Summary Report by "AmericanInTokyo") 3/25/03

Yomiuri News, Kyodo News, various N.E. Asian news sources (translated) ^ | 25 March 2003 | AmericanInTokyo

[AmericanInTokyo]

("Freepranslation") for Free Republic

I find it interesting that some new developments are occuring with respect to NORTH KOREA of which we should take note. These Japanese/Korean news reports are coming in today (25 March 2003) after a relatively quiet and mysterious lull in activities with respect to North Korea for nearly one week now.

I caution that these in-and-of themselves are not particularly serious, but are sensitive, noteworthy and should be followed very, very closely by the United States.

N. KOREA NOW STARTING TO RAMP UP "INVASION" VITRIOL AGAIN--Several web reports I have seen have quoted dispatches from Pyongyang saying the communist North Korean Labor Party newspaper has pointed to the Iraq War as evidence that the US Forces will invade the DPRK next, and that defensive measures should be taken. The North Korean association of residents in Japan has said the mood in Pyongyang is of war footing and vigilence, and that North Korea feels it will be the next victim of the US, so it will move forward with unspecified moves.

USA 'INTERESTS' ARE NOW GOING AHEAD WITH A PLAN TO INFILTRATE NEARLY 20 MILLION SMALL RADIOS TUNED TO USA 'VOICE OF AMERICA' INTO NORTH KOREA FOR CITIZENS--This was Kyodo News news story today carried in the S. Korean "Joongang Ilbo". They will launch from somewhere near the Korean Peninsula, probably from maritime facilities. They will use balloons, etc. to send the small, light, crank-powered radios to North Korea so the people can get outside news, as their isolation continues the regime of Kim Jong il. This will make North Korea EXTREMELY angry, if the report is true. Watch this one closely!

NORTH KOREAN TROOP ACTIVITY (MISSILE RELATED) SPOTTED--Japanese intelligence reports increased activity on the ground with respect to Japan's missile program. They note an increase in activity in early March, all pointing to some kind of North Korean reaction to Japan's anticipated launch of its first espionage satellite this week. It is expected North Korea may then test-launch something, sometime on/around this weekend.

JAPAN TO LAUNCH FIRST ESPIONAGE SATELLITE--Japan is moving forward to a launch, 28 March Japan time, of its first independent spy satellite for surveillance of North Korea. Until now, they have relied solely on US KH11/KH12 or commercial satellites. (The missile activity spotted was based on commercial satellite information). This satellite launch by Japan has highly irritated North Korea and they call it a provocation. That is why Japanese intelligence, using commerical satellites, have detected this increased North Korean movement with respect to their missile launch facilities.

NATIONALIST SHINTARO ISHIHARA MAKING MORE NATIONALIST COMMENTS--Noted anti-communist, pro-Imperial Japan, Japanese author and Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara ("The Japan That Can Say 'No'") has come out strongly for Japanese rearmament to the point of being able to soundly repel North Korea. His comments have angered Pyongyang, but are gaining resonance with the Japanese People.

ASTOUNDING JAPANESE YOMIURI POLL: 76% IN FAVOR OF U.S. IN IRAQ--Over 90% in the poll reflected a fear or concern over North Korea; accordingly, their support is beginning to harden behind their only known defender in Northeast Asia, the United States.

NORTH KOREAN FISHING TRAWLERS IN S. KOREAN WATERS--Occurred yesterday. Fishing boats from North Korea went across the NLL demarcation line into South Korean waters.

[AmericanInTokyo]

you're welcome, jjm2111

[AmericanInTokyo]

precisely

[AmericanInTokyo]

I doubt any CNN reporters will be allowed to go to Pyongyang for the Pacific Theater War. For as slanted liberal as they are, rabidly anti-American at times, nevertheless the DPRK would suspect them, and they probably also know that CNN camera crews and reporters would be SWAMPED with requests by Pyongyang-ites to help get them out of the country somehow. It is a slave laborer's hell up there.

[struggle]

I can't believe that Japan is such in accord with America. All of the polls I have seen in Japan are 70% sansei shinai or hantai suru.

[riri]

Since N. Korea is so isolated, the world would not know exactly what happened

Don't worry, our imbedded reporters could show 'em.

[r9etb]

If we had to fight on two fronts, would we actually be allowed to fight to win?

The question is whether the South Koreans will fight to win. We'd support them, but the brunt of the battle would be theirs.

I think the answer is that we would be allowed to win, but there's the same old question of how China would react.

[Mamzelle]

The Japanese are interesting, here. Not what I would have expected. They have the guts to at least *see* what's in front of them, unlike even South Korea.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I've had the impression that very little happens in NK without the PRC's approval.

[MaeWest]

Your articles are always a must read. Thanks for posting this, AIT!

[AmericanInTokyo]

Correct, Eric.

The Peoples Republic of China is allowing this all to occur, and turning a blind eye. ("mekoboshi" as the Japanese would say).

And for what reason, hmmmm????

[bmwcyle]

Thanks for the news of the western front.

[AmericanInTokyo]

It went from senso shinai or senso hantai position, as you rightly observe, to a strong support of the USA nearly overnight. It is incredible. Bottom line: They respect strength, and they also, I believe, in the last few days saw contrasting images of American benevolence and genuine kindness and good faith towards Iraqi prisoners taken, and on the other hand they saw American POWs laying lifeless after execution by Iraqi war criminals.

If--Lord FORBID!--Iraq launches chems against the good guys, watch Japanese grassroots support to soar for the USA to nearly 90% IMHO.

[jigsaw]

Your articles are always a must read. Thanks for posting this, AIT!

I sincerely second that!

[jriemer]

Considering that the KH-12 has a mass of approx. 19,000 kg, the Japanese booster technology is quite advanced if they want to launch something into orbit. Their HII-A boosters are rated for a maximum lift of 3,500 kg into orbit with multiple-payload insertions. I would think with their skill with minaturization and optics, the Japanese would be able to build a very compact but versitile recon sat within their lift limits.

Space is going to be very crowded in the future...

[chilepepper]

What's Kofi doing about all this ?

He's holding another cocktail party for UN officials and UN ambassadors. Caviar and champagne will be served.

[11B3]

I wonder what the public opinion in Japan would be if in response to an Iraqi WMD attack, we nuked the Iraqis.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Skoshi Nehongo wakatemas..

[jjm2111]

Actually, if you have a ping list, can you add me to it. I do a decent amount of work w/ Japanese companies and I like to keep on top of what's going on politically over there.

Thanks in advance,

JJ

[MrConfettiMan]

Thanks for the information. I was waiting for the NKs to make some noise while we were busy with Iraq.

[MrConfettiMan]

fyi ping