N KOREA'S ADVANCED MISSILE TESTS CALL FOR ASEAN TO REVIEW DEFENCE, MITIGATION STRATEGIES -- ANALYST

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- While member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are not the target of North Korea’s nuclear missiles, the recent test of a new 'super-large’ warhead and anti-aircraft missile has the potential to alter the region’s security dynamics.

And while direct attacks on ASEAN countries by North Korea are unlikely, the risk of missiles passing through their airspace or territorial waters cannot be ignored.

"From an engineering standpoint, the recent tests mark a significant transition in North Korea's nuclear strategy," said Moon Joo Hyun, an energy engineering professor from the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Seoul's Dankook University, in an email interview with BERNAMA.

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From a geostrategic viewpoint, this calls for a reassessment of the grouping’s regional defence and mitigation strategies.

On April 20, the North Korean state media (KCNA) said the country’s missile administration on Friday conducted a “power test” for the warhead designed for the Hwasal-1 Ra-3 strategic cruise missile and a test-launch of the Pyoljji-1-2 anti-aircraft missile.

It said the tests attained an unspecified “certain goal”, international media reported.

The sixth nuclear test is believed to have involved a thermonuclear weapon, marking a particularly alarming advancement, he noted.

The unveiling of the tactical nuclear warhead and its delivery mechanisms not only highlighted the ongoing military advancements by Pyongyang but also deepening tensions with the United States (US) and South Korea.

Moon noted these developments emphasise a more systematic approach to nuclear weapons mass production and deployment capabilities, signalling a significant evolution in military strategy.

While the rogue nation fires the missiles to antagonise South Korea, Japan and the US, other Asian neighbours, including ASEAN member states, also need to be vigilant.

Establishing advanced systems for tracking and monitoring North Korean nuclear activities, coupled with real-time military and diplomatic cooperation with major powers like South Korea, the US and Japan, is vital for maintaining regional security, Moon added.

In response to these ongoing advancements, there is a pressing need for nuclear technology engineering experts to play a pivotal role in a multinational task force which involves ASEAN member states.

"To prevent North Korea's programme from becoming more sophisticated, strict export controls are necessary to prevent key materials needed for maintaining and developing the nuclear programme from entering North Korea.

“I believe that ASEAN countries also need to establish and strictly implement the export control system implemented under the international nuclear non-proliferation regime,” he said.

Moon also highlighted that in the broader context of US-South Korea relations, the establishment of a task force aimed at curbing North Korea's nuclear ambitions is a key strategic measure.

-- BERNAMA