The United Nations confirmed Feb. 3 that North Korea had informed it of its intentions to launch an earth observation satellite between Feb. 8-25, an indication that the North is indeed planning to test a long-range ballistic missile, Yonhap and Xinhua reported. The United States and several Northeast Asian countries say the move would be a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and Pyongyang’s international obligations. South Korea warned that the North will have to pay a “severe price” if it goes through with the test. Japan has put its military on alert and says it will shoot down any missile that may land in Japanese territory. (The missile might fly over Japan’s southern island of Okinawa.) Beijing, which is believed to have the most influence over North Korea, also expressed concern over Pyongyang’s launch plan. Calls for military strikes on North Korea to deter its nuclear and missile programs have typically been dismissed because of the North's proximity to Seoul and Japan, questions over the immediate cost versus potential long-term benefits, and questions over China's response.
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