North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Sunday, just hours before the South Korean leader commenced his state visit to China. The firings of at least two missiles, the country’s first in two months, further heighten global tensions after US President Donald Trump launched the attack that captured President Nicolas Maduro.
The firings of at least two missiles, the country’s first in two months, come amid heightened global tensions following the US operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The South Korean Presidential office confirmed that peace on the Korean Peninsula will be on the agenda during President Lee Jae‑Myung’s visit to Beijing, which will include a summit with his counterpart, Xi Jinping.
The launch, according to experts, is intended as a statement to the Chinese leadership to deter closer ties with South Korea.
Analysts say the missile launch also sends a signal to Washington that North Korea has strong nuclear deterrence.
South Korea’s presidential office said it had held an emergency security meeting and urged North Korea to cease "provocative acts that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions."
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said North Korea’s missile launches threaten peace and security in the region.
"Our government lodged a strong protest with North Korea and strongly condemned the action," Koizumi said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the US Forces Indo-Pacific Command issued a statement, "This event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory or to our allies," adding that the US is consulting closely with its allies and partners.
The missiles were launched at around 7:50 a.m. (2250 GMT on Saturday), flew about 900 km (560 miles), and one about 950 km, South Korea's and Japan's military said.
The latest ballistic missile tests come nearly two months after the last test was conducted on November 7, 2025.
Lee's visit seeks to persuade China to facilitate dialogue with North Korea, experts say, at a time when North Korea has dismissed recent outreach from Lee.
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