U.S. using rocket launch to develop missile defense system: N.K. media

A North Korean media outlet on Friday claimed that the United States is using the Unha-3 rocket launch as an excuse to develop its own missile defense system, as part of its grand plan to dominate the world.

Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, said in an article monitored in Seoul that Washington aims to create a global missile interception network to ensure its continued military supremacy.

A missile defense system aids in the detection, tracking, and destruction of attacking missiles. Such a system can protect the U.S. and its allies from small-scale missile attacks by "rogue" states with weapons of mass destruction.

Rodong Sinmun also said criticizing Pyongyang's Dec. 12 launch of a long-range rocket is a ploy to establish the missile defense system. The paper argued the U.S. strategy is to pressure its potential foes from many sides.

The daily also stressed that the United States is primarily responsible for endangering global peace and stability by triggering an arms race. It said Washington's actions are causing other countries to develop missiles of their own.

Pyongyang has persistently claimed that the three-stage rocket capable of  carrying a payload more than 10,000 kilometers is designed to send satellites into space.

Despite such claims, the United States and the international community at large think last year's launch was a cover to allow the isolationist country to develop banned missile technology. The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution condemning the launch late last month and agreed to tighten sanctions against the communist country.

(Yonhap News)