North Korea raises stakes with new missile launch

COINCIDENTAL TIMING?

In 2006, North Korea test-fired its long range Taepodong-2 missile and other ballistic missiles while the United States celebrated its July 4 Independence Day national holiday.

The South Korean official quoted by Yonhap said the North's latest move appeared to be intended to send a message to the United States.

"The missiles fired on July 2 were analysed to be part of military drills, but today's missiles seem to have political purposes in that they were fired a day ahead of the U.S. Independence Day," the agency quoted the official as saying.

U.N. sanctions put in place after the North's nuclear test in May were aimed at halting its trade in missiles systems, which are a vital source of foreign currency for the cash-short state.

The U.S. envoy who coordinates sanctions against the North, was in China earlier this week to enlist Beijing's help in getting tougher with North Korea.

China is the North's biggest benefactor and trade partner whose help would be essential for an effective sanctions regime, analysts said.

Daniel Pinkston, with the International Crisis Group in Seoul, said the test helps the North's military in its ability to fire off missiles and could also be linked to the sanctions.

"The sanctions raised the cost of products such as missile systems. Buyers, who are taking increased risks, want to be assured about the quality and reliability of the product," said Pinkston.

North Korea fired a rocket it said put a satellite into space in April. U.S., South Korean and other officials said the launch was a disguised test of the long-range Taepodong-2 missile, which could hit U.S. territory, and nothing was put into orbit.