North Korea conducted its first missile tests in five months yesterday, just days ahead of a highly anticipated summit involving U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders in South Korea.
The South Korean military reported observing several short-range ballistic missiles launched from the area south of Pyongyang, which traveled approximately 350 kilometers to the northeast. The Joint Chiefs of Staff did not provide further specifics but confirmed that the missiles did not fall into the sea.
Additionally, the military stated that South Korean forces remain on high alert to counter any provocations from North Korea, thanks to their solid military alliance with the United States.
Newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takagi informed reporters that Tokyo is closely coordinating with Washington and Seoul, sharing data related to missile warnings. North Korea did not immediately comment on the missile launch.
This missile launch comes ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31 and November 1, which Trump is expected to attend.
Trump has expressed hope for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, possibly this year, after several encounters during his first term. In turn, Kim has indicated a willingness to resume dialogue with the United States if it abandons its goal of denuclearizing his country.
Experts had previously suggested that North Korea might conduct provocative missile tests before or during the APEC summit to assert its status as a nuclear-armed state.
Analysts believe that Kim Jong-un seeks this recognition to advocate for the lifting of economic sanctions from the United Nations based on the premise of maintaining a nuclear program.
The last instance of North Korea launching ballistic missiles occurred on May 8, when it fired several short-range missiles from its eastern coast. Over the past decade, North Korea has been steadily advancing its missile capabilities despite various sanctions imposed by the UN, including tests of long-range ballistic missiles that could potentially reach the U.S. mainland if launched on a targeted trajectory. Earlier this month, North Korea showcased its latest intercontinental ballistic missiles during a military parade attended by the Chinese Prime Minister.