Pyongyang spotted for week-long submarine activities in East Sea

Quoting U.S. officials, Japan’s national public broadcasting corporation NHK reported on Sunday that North Korea’s key submarine has been spotted in the East Sea for a week. “The officials say the Romeo-class 1,800-ton diesel submarine has been engaging in activities for about a week, which is the longest period," NHK reported. The broadcaster says that activities by submarines of this class in the area usually last about four days.

“The U.S. military confirmed last week that North Korea tested technology to launch ballistic missiles from submarines in Sinpo, in the country's East,” NHK also reported. "Pyongyang appears to make an effort in improving submarine-related technology." It also reported that the U.S. detected movements that could be preparations for another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. CNN reported on July 19 that Pyongyang could launch ICBM or Intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) within two weeks. On the following day, 38 North also reported that the North has been detected to prepare for additional launch of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

Won-Jae Jang peacechaos@donga.com