• freagle@lemmygrad.ml
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    11 months ago

    Google is part of the military intelligence apparatus of the Five Eyes. Th fact that DPRK can do this after being one of the top 3 most bombed countries in the history of the world is quite impressive. Consider the state of the space program in similarly bombed countries (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) and you’ll see why this is actually a big deal.

    Also of note, the DPRK has a GDP of around $40B. Alphabet (parent of Google) reported $218B in expenditures in 2022.

    DPRK having spy satellites is a marvel given those numbers

    • ComradeSalad@lemmygrad.ml
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      11 months ago

      Vietnam and Laos have had no need to build a rocket industry and nuclear power.

      Space technology is in large part a byproduct of ICBM technology. Why would any of those countries spend money investing into that?

        • ComradeSalad@lemmygrad.ml
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          11 months ago

          They require a deterrent against invasion in the case that China will not defend them.

          Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and many other countries do not face a similar threat.

              • freagle@lemmygrad.ml
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                11 months ago

                The US deployed 60% of its naval assets to the Pacific undet Obama. It’s building up power all over the region. If you think it’s impossible the USA will fuck with Vietnam et al, I think you might be assuming too much.

                • ComradeSalad@lemmygrad.ml
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                  11 months ago

                  Where in the pacific? You’re leaving out key information. Those assets were sent to Korea, Guam, and Japan. To encircle China. Vietnam is not a strategic or tactical target.

                  • freagle@lemmygrad.ml
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                    11 months ago

                    I think your absolute statements of unknowable facts belie an overconfidence that is unjustified by history.

      • freagle@lemmygrad.ml
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        11 months ago

        It’s a net new military intelligence capability in the hands of an opponent. This fundamentally changes the theater, as any net new capability would. This has been understood since Sun Tzu. It’s not “nuclear armageddon” scary, it’s a demonstration that the USA is failing to maintain its oppressive chokehold on the world.