TOKYO: North Korea launched a possible ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan on Monday, according to Japan’s defense ministry. The projectile is believed to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, as reported by public broadcaster NHK, citing government officials.
South Korea’s military also confirmed that Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan, as reported by Kyodo news agency.
Tensions Between North Korea and South Korea
North Korea has a history of conducting weapons tests, and this latest incident comes just days after leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the firing of the country’s newest intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fuel Hwasong-18. Tensions between North and South Korea are at one of their highest points in history, with diplomacy between the two countries at a standstill, and Kim calling for the ramping up of weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons.
In response, South Korea and the United States have conducted joint military exercises featuring advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets. The latest missile launch also coincides with upcoming celebrations in North Korea marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.
Adding to the geopolitical significance of the situation, a Chinese delegation is scheduled to travel to North Korea this week, marking the first known visit by a foreign delegation since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
The latest missile launch by North Korea adds further strain to the already fragile regional stability and highlights the ongoing concerns over the country’s military capabilities and actions.
