North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast into the sea Sunday, as South Korea’s president began a state visit to China. The missiles, launched at about 7:50am local time, flew approximately 900km (560 miles), according to South Korea’s military.
Ballistic Missile Launch
South Korea’s military and the United States are “closely analysing the specifications” of the missiles while “maintaining a full readiness posture.” U.S. forces in the Asia Pacific stated the launches did not pose an “immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies.”
Japan also reported that at least two missiles reached distances of 900km (560 miles) and 950km (590 miles). Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said North Korea’s nuclear and missile development “threatens the peace and stability of our country and the international society, and is absolutely intolerable.”
The last ballistic missile test by Pyongyang was on November 7. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday called for doubling the production capacity of tactical guided weapons while visiting a munitions factory.
Kim has recently visited a series of weapons factories and a nuclear-powered submarine, overseeing missile tests in advance of the ninth party congress of the Workers’ Party, which will take place later this year and set out key policy goals.
Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, told Reuters the launches represent “a message to China to deter closer ties with South Korea and to counter China’s stance on denuclearisation.” He also suggested it was North Korea sending a message of strength, differentiating itself from Venezuela, following U.S. attacks and the “capture” of President Nicolas Maduro.
China Visit
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Beijing on Sunday morning for a four-day visit, accompanied by more than 200 South Korean business leaders.
Discussions are expected to focus on supply chain investment, the digital economy and cultural exchanges. Lee will meet with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for their second meeting in two months, signalling Beijing’s interest in increasing economic collaboration and tourism, according to analysts.
Seoul has stated that peace on the Korean Peninsula would be on the agenda during the Beijing trip. The visit comes amid heightened tensions between China and Japan, following Japan’s consideration of military involvement in the event of Chinese action against Taiwan.
Prior to his trip, Lee assured CCTV that South Korea consistently respects the “One-China” policy regarding Taiwan, emphasizing that healthy Beijing-Seoul relations depend on mutual respect. He also described Xi Jinping as a “truly reliable neighbour.”
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