North Korea may be preparing to launch a new submarine believed to be capable of carrying ballistic missiles, as South Korea prepares for the visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Seoul.
Satellite imagery obtained by US think tank 38 North shows the Sinpo South Shipyard on the east coast of the country, with six barges and vessels gathered around the construction hall quay.
“While barges and a dry dock have been occasionally observed around the submarine launch quay at the main construction hall, the presence of six vessels and barges in this area has not been observed before,” said the report, which concluded that the activity suggests preparations to launch a submarine.
The images were discovered just days before Vice President Kamala Harris will head to Japan to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and later travel to South Korea.
A senior US administration official told a briefing on Friday that a nuclear test or other provocation was possible during Harris’ trip to the region, but that they had no predictions or announcements to make.
Senior administration officials said Friday the purpose of the trip is to “reaffirm the United States’ commitment to our allies in an increasingly complex security environment” and to “deepen our overall engagement in the Indo-Pacific” in addition to honouring the former prime minister.
The visit comes as US President Joe Biden accused North Korea of “blatantly violating UN sanctions” in a speech to the UN General Assembly.
Analysts said the apparent size of the new vessel indicated it was designed to carry missiles, but they are unsure whether the submarine is a new design or if it is based on one originally acquired from China in the 1970s.
The city of Pyongyang began a number of unprecedented ballistic missile tests earlier this year, including a submarine-launched ballistic missile in May.
Intelligence analysts have warned it is likely to trigger another nuclear test in the coming months.
This week the Ronald Reagan, a fleet of missile and aircraft carriers which is the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet in the world, will dock in South Korea for the first time in five years, before carrying out joint drills.
“The Ronald Reagan Strike Group’s visit is of strategic importance to the US and Republic of Korea relationship and is a clear and unambiguous demonstration of US commitment to the Alliance,” said Rear Adm. Buzz Donnelly, commander, CSG 5.
The 38 North report noted that there had been no indications so far in state media about when the submarine might be launched.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol said in a statement he is aware of signs and movements suggesting North Korean provocations.
