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Articles by Curtis Melvin
Chinese upgrading infrastructure along border with North Korea: satellite imagery
China appears to be engaged in several construction projects of varying sizes along the Sino-North Korea border in an apparent preparation for increased trade and cross-border traffic, satellite imagery taken throughout the year reveals. NK Pro analysis has identified seven locations that show signs of infrastructure developments, ranging from renewed maintenance of existing sites to entirely new construction, along the shared border.
UDMH Production in North Korea: Additional Facilities Likely
A recent article discussed the potential production of unsymmetrical di-methyl-hydrazine (UDMH) in North Korea.
Pyongyang’s Construction Boom: Is North Korea Beating Sanctions? | 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea
The construction boom in Pyongyang, along with other indicators of improved economic performance such as food production and foreign trade, provide further evidence of the ineffectiveness of current economic sanctions. The North Korean economy appears to be beating sanctions thanks to Chinese aid and trade, as well as the reallocation of conventional defense spending to the civilian economy.
Imagery Confirms Recent Media Reports of Rocket Engine Test | 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea
Recent commercial satellite imagery confirms media reports that North Korea conducted a rocket engine test at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station on, or about, June 22 and that this test “could be for the smallest stage of an ICBM rocket engine.” While the June 22 imagery shows evidence of a recent small rocket engine test, it is not possible to confirm whether this test was for an ICBM engine using imagery alone.
North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station: Construction Activity Continues at Launch Pad | 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea
Commercial satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station from June 10 indicates continued construction throughout the facility, most notably at the southern end of the launch pad. The exact purpose of this activity is unclear. Ongoing construction indicates North Korea’s long-term commitment to further developing this facility and its space launch program. Approximately 50 meters southeast of the launch pad, an open area (approximately 5,000 sq.
Chinese and North Korean Energy Cooperation Expanding, With Hiccups | 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea
China’s energy cooperation with North Korea continues despite irritations in the bilateral relationship, including sanctions. The most significant “new” energy cooperation project between the two countries is the construction of two additional power plants on the Amnok/Yalu River, bordering North Korea’s Jagang Province and China’s Jilin Province. Discussions and planning for the dams began in 2004, but according to Chinese media, actual construction was not authorized until 2010.
Sometimes A Cigar Is Just A Cigar
By: Curtis Melvin May 5, 2017 Domestic Affairs On May 1, 2017, The Diplomat published an article by Damen Cook based on a report by Strategic Sentinel, which purported to show that the North Koreans had “constructed several military facilities on small islands surrounding the city of Sohae.” The methodology and conclusions in this report, however, demonstrate a lack of understanding of both North Korea’s military infrastructure and recent history.
KPA Navy Upgrades in the East Sea
Although international attention has focused on continued developments in North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, commercial satellite imagery indicates that Pyongyang is also improving its conventional military forces. Notably, serious resources have been channeled into upgrading the North’s naval capabilities.
Producer of Maxi-Pads and Naval Stealth Technology
What has been identified as the “December 7 Factory” in North Korean media is located on the south bank of the Taedong-gang (Taedong River) in the Rangnang-guyok (Rakrang or Rangnang District) section of Pyongyang. Since its inception, the factory has been involved in the production of specialized naval vessels and military equipment.
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