North Korea Accuses U.S. of Double Standards Over South Korean Satellite Launch

South Korea launches first spy satellite amid escalating tensions, plans four more by 2025

North Korea has accused the United States of double standards, criticizing its support for South Korea's recent spy satellite launch while condemning North Korea's own launch.
South Korea launched its first military spy satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on December 1, 2023, with plans to send four more to space by 2025 as part of an agreement with SpaceX.
North Korea launched its own military spy satellite late last month, a move that was condemned by the United States, the United Nations, and Western allies as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
North Korea's National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) issued a statement claiming that South Korea plans to use its satellite for military purposes, and warned that global peace and stability could be in danger if the United States' 'gangster-like logic' is tolerated.
South Korea's satellite launch is part of its 'three-axis' system, a plan for deterring and handling North Korean threats, which includes pre-emptively striking against adversaries if signs of imminent attack are detected.