North Korea notifies Japan of satellite launch plan by June 3

Japan has been told by North Korea that they plan to launch a satellite by June 3. This is happening as leaders from South Korea, Japan, and China meet in Seoul. The launch is likely for North Korea's second military spy satellite. North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite last November to build a space-based surveillance network to address what it sees as threats from the U.S. The United Nations prohibits North Korea from conducting satellite launches, as they are seen as a way to test long-range missile technology. North Korea argues it has the right to launch satellites and test missiles due to perceived military threats from the U.S. and South Korea. The November satellite launch by North Korea increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula, leading to both Koreas taking steps that violated their 2018 agreement to reduce military tensions. In recent years, North Korea has conducted missile tests to upgrade its weapons arsenals, prompting the U.S. and South Korea to enhance their military exercises. Experts believe North Korea aims to strengthen its position in future negotiations with the U.S. by expanding its weapons capabilities. The trilateral meeting between South Korea, Japan, and China did not officially include North Korea on the agenda, but discussions about North Korea's nuclear program and its military ties with Russia took place during bilateral meetings. South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. have consistently urged China, North Korea's main ally and economic supporter, to use its influence to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. However, there are suspicions that China is not fully enforcing U.N. sanctions on North Korea and may be providing secret aid to help North Korea survive.