Kyodo News: USA Is Warning of Possible Launch of NODONG Missile By North Korea (7:20 pm Eastern)

Kyodo News Service (From Original Japanese, by "Freepranslation") ^ | 6 March 2003 Japan Time | Kyodo News (in Japanese)

[AmericanInTokyo]

7:20 p.m. Eastern Time, Wednesday Nite

By ticker, with specific news to follow. Ticker: "USA Warns of Possible Nodong Missile Test Launch by North Korea" ("Kita chosen no missairu no nodong shisha wo keikai, bei seifu")

It is unclear who was warned but most certainly must be Japan and South Korea. It does not say when the Nodong test launch may occur. Other interpretations of the operational verb are: "on guard against, worried, warning, keeping an eye on."

Just appeared briefly and is still up on the Japanese Kyodo website (link above). More details should come in soon. It might point to an expected launch of a Nodong, rather than a Taepodong, from the DPRK in a short period of time from now.

Defense spokesman for Japan Ishiba and others stated yesterday that the DPRK Nodong missile is capable of being retrofitted with a nuclear warhead.

[CindyDawg]

I understand. It's just that when I heard reports of our military in SK being in danger I had assumed that was why our ships were sent there. Now you tell me we have to wait until they strike. If this is true and they have threatened us I say let's take them out now.

[RightWhale]

That's a fact. Even if the NKs don't overrun the city, the shelling will be intense and there is no way to get around that. It will take years to rebuild, but it will be rebuilt without an armed border so close.

[bonesmccoy]

I think NorKor is mad because the US is going to wipe out a big buyer of NorKor missiles.

[TD911]

Why not beat them to the punch with our own E-Bomb?

They would think it's just a normal blackout, and then takeout their nukes on/in the ground.

We could claim it must have been a nuclear accident, then the rest of the world might actually say something to them.

[Amelia]

To me, this issue is not a joke. Anyone else agree?

As someone with family in South Korea, it's definitely not a joke to me. I look for your posts every day, and appreciate them more than you know.

[Steel Wolf]

Just appeared briefly and is still up on the Japanese Kyodo website (link above). More details should come in soon. It might point to an expected launch of a Nodong, rather than a Taepodong, from the DPRK in a short period of time from now.

Pressure, pressure and more pressure. Mig 29s on the Cobra Ball, cruise missiles for inauguration fireworks, and now this. The real quesiton is: What is the point of this?

North Korea has a nuclear weapons program. That fact alone is enough to make the point; either we give tribute to the DPRK to keep them docile, or they will come and take it by force. The sabre rattling is unnecessary, and certainly the North Koreans who have lived abroad know that we'd have an easy time giving them aid if they'd just keep quiet and play the game.

But Kim doesn't want to play anymore. There's something more at stake, more than just getting the aid.

Ego.

North Korea finally has nuclear weapons. For 50 years, they have been cowering under America's shadow, relying on our good will to not blow them off the map. Not now. North Korea has become America's equal.

If all Kim wanted was food, he could get it. He wants more than our gifts, he wants them on his terms. He wants us to lose face. He wants to threaten our lands, harass our troops, and insult us in the press. He wants to slap our face, and make us pay him for the effort. This is more than just regime survival. This is about revenge.

[twntaipan]

At first I was a bit surprised, but if you know that there is extreme animosity on the part of Koreans for the occupation of Korea by Japan beginning about 100 years ago, and lasting until the end of WWII, it brings a bit of clarity to the confusion.

Basically, the different nations of East Asia have the following generalized views of Japan.

1. China--tolerance, but the older ones profoundly distrust (maybe even hate) and remember the Rape of Nanking by the Japanese in the 1930s (long memories).

2. Korea, South --tolerance, but the older ones profoundly distrust (maybe even hate) because of the Japanese occupation during first half of 20th century.

3. Korea, North--Crazy, don't trust anyone or anything--probably hate every body that isn't Korean.

4. Taiwan -- Those that went from mainland China with Chiang Kai Shek distrust, (and probably hate) the Japanese because of the Rape of Nanking. The majority population, called Taiwanese, have a different view toward Japan--like, admire, the Japanese. This is a funny view point, which may have arisen simply to tweak the KMT's butt through the last half of the 20th Century.

[jeremiah]

Don't have anything to add to this discussion, but I take your posts seriously......thank you and keep them coming.

[jonathonandjennifer]

...bulletin in Japanese was issued less than an hour ago for ALL JAPANESE TO EVACUATE KUWAIT and ARABIAN EASTERN AREAS OF SAUDI ARABIA IMMEDIATLY.

Yes, this is sounding more and more serious.
Re: jokes. Please ignore these responses. They are easy to scroll past and we really do appreciate your efforts. There is no substitute for independent, non-governmental (we hope[;>) observation and reporting.

[jeremiah]

I think most of the pawns are compromised, but we still have the upper hand.

[jeremiah]

Send NK a replacement, thought we quit that Jan 2001

[CindyDawg]

huh?

[pgkdan]

To me, this issue is not a joke. Anyone else agree?

Agreed, but lately we've been overrun with sophmoric comedian wannabes. Everything's a friggin' joke.

What's the mood in Japan regarding Korea now? I've read some gov't comments, but what's the mood of the people?

[AmericanInTokyo]

no problem; we've sounded the 'all clear' now on this today....

I was barraged with freepmail with many interesting questions/insights and all kinds of messages of support and apprecation for the posts we send out on issues in Asia for the benefit of FR. your comments and theirs are taken with appreciation.

[jeremiah]

Yes, isn't threat of war, a declaration of the same? Why wait, just act on the aggression as if they mean it(which of course they do).

[AmericanInTokyo]

I am not in Japan right now (read my profile) but I can say it is much akin to the people right now perhaps in NYC and DC. They know dangers are close, it unsettles them a bit, they just make the best effort and keep working and moving forward. One thing is sure; there is literally NO sentiment in Japan in favor of North Korea in the Japanese populace; they have been radicalized strong and across the board toward N.K. and widely view that odd regime and its leader as a nutcase, a loose cannon on the deck, a very bad neighbor on the block, so to speak...

[jeremiah]

Good analysis, guess we need to leave them no face to lose, sooner or later anyway.

[jeremiah]

You worded it like we would replace any missile they sent against us.......I know it makes no sense now, but it did when Clinton was in office....OK poor joke

[CindyDawg]

Oh ok, I get it now. LOL. I was talking about airmailing them one :')

[Doomonyou]

Is the American translation of the Nodong missle the Nojohnson?

Yeah, it is a serious situation, but this is a good one!