The North Korea missile launch took place on Thursday as North Korea fired a projectile towards the waters off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korea’s military. The launch was reported by South Korean authorities. They are monitoring the situation and assessing details surrounding the projectile.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the projectile was launched at around 5 PM local time from the Wonsan region on the east coast of North Korea. South Korea’s military concluded that the projectile is a short-range ballistic missile. Japanese authorities have also concluded that the projectile may be a ballistic missile. They said it has landed outside of their Exclusive Economic Zone.
This marks the first missile test by North Korea in more than 40 days, reported by Reuters. Both South Korea and the US have been observing and analysing the launch.
The North Korea Missile Launch Follows Japan Criticism
The North Korea missile launch took place one day after Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticised Japan over its expanding military capabilities.
Kim Yo Jong criticised Japan after Tokyo conducted a test firing of a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile. She accused the country of moving away from its traditionally defensive military posture. She warned that North Korea could consider additional military options in response to Japan’s growing capabilities.
Japan has been strengthening its defence capabilities amid rising security concerns involving North Korea and China. North Korea has also frequently criticised Japan’s growing military cooperation with the United States.
However, South Korean and Japanese officials did not link Thursday’s missile launch directly to Kim Yo Jong’s remarks or Japan’s Tomahawk missile test.
Missile Test Comes Before US-South Korea Drills
The North Korea missile launch came ahead of expected military exercises between South Korea and the United States scheduled for this month. Washington and Seoul describe their military cooperation as purely defensive. Whereas, North Korea opposes any joint military exercises between the two countries.
South Korea’s military authorities have stated that they are maintaining their alert status. They are also coordinating with the United States to monitor North Korea’s actions. This launch is one more step in North Korea’s weapons development. It has tested different missile systems during the last several years.
North Korea launched the missile amid efforts by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s administration to ease tensions with the North and improve inter-Korean relations. South Korea is appealing for dialogue, but Pyongyang has continued developing its military potential.
While Washington said the latest launch did not pose a threat to US citizens, territory or allies, the United States consulted South Korea and Japan following the launch.
North Korea’s recent missile test firing underscores the enduring security problems that prevail in the Korean Peninsula. With North Korea not shelving its missile program, Japan beefing up its defences, and South Korea and the US getting ready for joint military manoeuvres, there is keen watchfulness of North Korea’s actions.
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