North Korea fired ballistic missiles into the sea on Monday, marking the first time in two months that such an action has been taken. The multiple short-range missiles were launched from a region south of the North’s capital, Pyongyang, and landed east of the Korean peninsula. This act has escalated tensions in the region and has raised concerns among neighboring countries.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the launches, stating that they were a violation of U.N. resolutions and a threat to regional peace and security. Japan reported the firing of what appeared to be ballistic missiles that ended their flight outside its exclusive economic zone. The United States and South Korea are closely monitoring the situation and sharing information on the launch.
The missile launches come shortly after the completion of 10 days of large-scale joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. North Korea has been conducting military exercises using conventional weapons in recent weeks, with leader Kim Jong Un often overseeing these activities personally. The show of force by Pyongyang is seen as a response to the joint military drills conducted by South Korea and the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently in Seoul attending the Summit for Democracy conference hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol. The conference aims to address issues related to democratic backsliding and the erosion of rights and freedoms worldwide. Blinken will also meet with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul to discuss these pressing issues.
In previous missile launches, North Korea fired an intermediate range hypersonic missile in January to test new booster engines and a maneuverable warhead. A month later, the country launched multiple cruise missiles off its east coast, including a new anti-ship missile. These actions have been met with international condemnation and have heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
Overall, the recent missile launches by North Korea have raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community. The escalation of tensions in the region highlights the precarious situation in the Korean Peninsula and the need for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues. The Summit for Democracy conference provides an opportunity for world leaders to discuss ways to promote and protect democratic values in the face of growing threats to global stability.
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