North Korea conducted two new ballistic missile tests on the same day that critical talks between South Korea and China took place, immediately after condemning the U.S. operation in Venezuela.
Regional Show of Force with a 950-Kilometer Range
At least two ballistic missiles launched from North Korea’s east coast traveled approximately 950 kilometers before falling into the waters of the Sea of Japan (East Sea). The test, monitored by South Korean and Japanese military authorities, was recorded as Pyongyang’s first ballistic missile activity since last November.
According to information reported by Reuters, a harsh statement targeting Washington came from Pyongyang just before the missile tests. The North Korean administration described the U.S. operation against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a “brutal violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.” The report emphasized that Pyongyang characterized the U.S. action as a “rogue and merciless act.”
Diplomatic Calendar and a Message to China
The firing of the ballistic missiles occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s official visit to Beijing. Analysts point out that the timing of the test appears to be a response to China’s stance on nuclear disarmament and the diplomatic rapprochement in the region.
Kim Jong Un Emphasizes Production Capacity
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reiterated instructions in recent weeks during visits to ammunition and weapons factories to increase military capacity. Kim has defined maximizing production capacity as a strategic objective ahead of the Workers’ Party’s Ninth Congress planned for this year.
International Reactions
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command: Reported that the situation in the region is being closely monitored but that no immediate threat to allies has been identified.
South Korea: The Seoul administration condemned the tests as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and called for an end to the provocations.
Japan: Japan’s Ministry of Defense described the action as a serious threat to the security of the region and the international community.
Source: C4 Defence / Reuters
