The South Korean military detected the launch of a long-range missile in the area around the North Korean capital Pyongyang (local time) on Thursday morning, the general staff in Seoul said. The missile flew about 1,000 kilometers towards the Sea of Japan (Korean: Baltic Sea), where it fell into the water. South Korea and Japan condemned North Korea’s weapons test. At a meeting of the National Security Council in Seoul, Yoon accused the northern neighbor of serious provocation.
North Korea’s nuclear and missile program is viewed as a threat by the US and its Asian allies South Korea and Japan. It was therefore expected that Yoon’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida this Thursday would not only focus on improving bilateral relations between their countries, but also on joint measures against North Korea’s nuclear threat.
UN resolutions prohibit Pyongyang from testing ballistic missiles of any range. Such missiles can be equipped with one or more warheads, depending on their design. North Korea is subject to severe international sanctions over its nuclear program and is largely isolated.
North Korea is testing another long-range ballistic missile, according to the South Korean General Staff. The range of long-range or intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) is more than 5500 kilometers. From North Korea, they could also theoretically reach US territory, which Pyongyang accuses of hostile policies.
North Korea tested two cruise missiles with South Korea on Sunday at the start of new US military exercises. According to Pyongyang, the test should also serve as a nuclear deterrent. Short-range ballistic missiles were launched on Tuesday. The new weapons tests are also seen as a show of strength towards the US and its allies.
After Thursday’s missile test, Yoon threatened that North Korea would “pay a price for its reckless provocations.” Speaking at a meeting of the National Security Council in Seoul, Yoon stressed that security cooperation with the United States and Japan should be further strengthened, the national news agency Yonhap reports.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula have escalated significantly since last year. North Korea increased the scope and pace of its missile tests. The US and South Korea resume full-scale joint military exercises. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
