North Korea Launches Cruise Missiles Amid Trump Visit to South Korea
North Korea fired cruise missiles off the western coast of the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
According to North Korea’s state news agency, the missiles were launched vertically and flew along a designated path for approximately two hours and ten minutes before hitting their intended targets. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reportedly not present during the test.
Pak Jong Chon, Vice Chairman of North Korea’s Central Military Commission, stated that the test was part of a broader plan to develop the country’s nuclear capabilities in line with the ruling party’s strategic objectives. He added that the primary aim was to demonstrate offensive capabilities and enhance deterrence.
He emphasized that effective deterrence is achievable only when it is built upon advanced offensive capabilities and highlighted the need for continuously strengthening North Korea’s nuclear military capacity.
South Korean military officials reported detecting the missile activity in the Yellow Sea around 3 p.m. local time and said they are currently analyzing the details of the test. On the same day, South Korea’s navy conducted exercises involving the destroyers Choi Young and Kang Gam Chan, with new operational tasks aimed at improving combat readiness.
President Trump arrived in the city of Gyeongju on Wednesday to join other world leaders and business executives at the international summit. He told reporters that formal talks with North Korea are expected to take place in the near future.
Trump is also scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
