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North Korea launches ballistic missiles as South Korean leader heads to China
North Korea on Sunday fired several ballistic missiles from its capital, Pyongyang, towards waters off its east coast, South Korea’s military said, in a move that coincided with the start of South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung’s state visit to China.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were launched at about 7:50 a.m. local time and are believed to have already landed in the sea. The military said it had stepped up surveillance and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan in anticipation of further launches.
The missile firing, the first by Pyongyang in about two months, comes as President Lee begins talks in Beijing where peace and stability on the Korean peninsula are expected to feature prominently.
Japan’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the projectiles had fallen, while Seoul said there was no immediate threat to public safety.
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The last known ballistic missile test by North Korea took place in November, but tensions have remained high in recent weeks following a series of weapons-related activities overseen by leader Kim Jong Un.
State media in the North reported that Kim recently called for a sharp increase in the production capacity of tactical guided weapons during a visit to a munitions factory. He has also toured weapons facilities, inspected a nuclear-powered submarine and supervised missile drills ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress later this year.
In Beijing, President Lee is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, with Seoul expressing hope that China will help encourage dialogue with Pyongyang. Lee’s security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, said South Korea expects China to play a constructive role in easing tensions on the peninsula.
Analysts say the missile launch underscores the fragile security situation in the region, particularly as diplomatic efforts to re-engage North Korea have so far yielded little response from Pyongyang.
