In a move that escalates regional tensions, North Korea launched several ballistic missiles into its eastern waters this Sunday. According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, these missiles were fired from the vicinity of North Korea's capital and traveled approximately 560 miles before plunging into the sea.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense described the missile launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and demanded that Pyongyang cease its "provocative actions" and return to the negotiating table to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Japan also detected at least two missile launches, declaring them "a serious threat to regional and global security," as stated by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, quoted by Euro News.
The missile tests came just hours after the United States confirmed the capture of Nicolás Maduro in a military operation in Venezuela and shortly before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet with his counterpart Xi Jinping.
Seoul aims for Beijing, North Korea's main ally, to play a "constructive role" in the denuclearization of the peninsula. However, Seoul's interest in acquiring a nuclear submarine has not been well-received by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has also been strengthening diplomatic ties with Russia amid its war in Ukraine and deepening relations with China.
From Washington, the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) stated it is "in close consultation with allies and partners," noting that initial assessments indicate the missile launches "do not pose an immediate threat" to U.S. territory or its allies.
Nonetheless, the U.S. reiterated its "ironclad commitment to the defense" of America and its regional allies as a clear warning.
Key Questions on North Korea's Missile Launches
What was the response from South Korea to North Korea's missile launches?
South Korea condemned the missile launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and urged Pyongyang to halt its provocative actions and re-engage in dialogue to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula.
How did Japan react to the missile tests?
Japan confirmed at least two missile launches and labeled them as a significant threat to regional and global security, as stated by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
What is the U.S. stance regarding the missile launches?
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) stated that the missile launches do not pose an immediate threat to U.S. territory or allies, but emphasized its strong commitment to the defense of the U.S. and its regional allies.