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A satellite photograph posted on Mar. 25 by the North Korean affairs website 38 North

The North Korean media have been repeatedly arguing for the legitimacy of the North’s possession of nuclear weapons. Since this coincides with a series of reports in the foreign media about ongoing detection of activities presumed to be preparations for another nuclear test at North Korea’s nuclear test site in Punggye Village, there is increasing speculation that a sixth nuclear test may be imminent.

38 North, an American website specializing in North Korean affairs, reported on Mar. 28 that several vehicles assumed to be used for transporting equipment had been detected at the entrance to the northern tunnel (tunnel no. 2) in an analysis of commercial satellite photography taken on Mar. 25 of the area around the nuclear test site at Punggye Village, Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province. An analysis of activity on the ground also showed apparent traces of the installation of communication cables to be used to collect and analyze data resulting from the nuclear test, the website added.

“Also notable, water is being pumped out of the portal and draining downhill to the east and west, presumably to keep the tunnel dry for monitoring or communications equipment. The combination of these factors strongly suggests that test preparations are well underway, including the installation of instrumentation. The imagery, however, does not provide any definitive evidence of either a nuclear device or the timing of a test,” 38 North said.

Each day, North Korea’s state-run media have been emphasizing the legitimacy of possessing nuclear weapons and repeating criticism of US policy toward North Korea. “North Korea’s status as a nuclear power is being highlighted even more, which is bringing about a fundamental change in the strategic structure of relations with our neighbors. Unless the US ends its scheme of nuclear blackmail against North Korea, we will continue taking steps to advance our nuclear capability,” said the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Korean Workers’ Party, on Mar. 29.

“The question facing the Trump administration is whether it will retain its policy of crushing North Korea, which will provoke a military conflict [between the North and the US], or whether it will boldly change directions. Nuclear weapons are not the exclusive property of the US, and the present reality [of North Korea-US relations] is that as the US ratchets up its schemes of military pressure and sanctions, our self-defensive nuclear deterrence is becoming even stronger,” wrote the Minju Choson, the newspaper of the North Korean cabinet, in a column on Mar. 29.

There are varying assessments and predictions. Voice of America quoted experts on Mar. 29 who said that North Korea makes claims about the legitimacy of possessing nuclear weapons as a way to justify an upcoming nuclear test or mid-range missile test. Kyodo News, a Japanese wire service, quoted a source in the Japanese government on Mar. 27 as saying that Tokyo had begun collecting and analyzing intelligence about North Korean actions that appear to be indications of an upcoming nuclear test. Given North Korea’s commitment to quickly push forward with its nuclear program, the source said, it’s likely that a nuclear test will be carried out in mid-April.

“During each nuclear and missile test, North Korea has selected a time that would maximize the propaganda and political value both at home and abroad. The North may have completed its technical preparations for the nuclear test, but for the moment it is weighing the timing,” said an official with South Korea‘s Unification Ministry.

“Given the joint drills between the US and South Korea and the US’s deployment of strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula, North Korea can’t just be silent. Considering the US-China summit in April and the South Korean presidential election in May, it seems unlikely that the North will carry out a provocation for the time being,” the official added.

By Jung In-hwan, staff reporter

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