South Korea’s presidential office has strongly criticized North Korea’s firing of over 10 short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday. The office has instructed the military to remain on high alert while engaging in joint military exercises with the United States. A statement from the presidential office mentioned that an emergency security meeting was held with officials from the Defence Ministry and military authorities following the missile launches from Pyongyang towards the east of the Korean Peninsula.
Describing the ballistic missile launch as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions, South Korea called on North Korea to cease such provocative actions immediately. The country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles traveled approximately 300 kilometers towards the sea.
The missile launches occurred shortly after South Korea and the U.S. announced a reduction in their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises. U.S. President Donald Trump had directed a substantial reduction in the exercises, citing positive relations with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s non-participation in U.S. actions against Iran. Trump also mentioned that North Korea possesses 57 potent nuclear weapons, a figure previously undisclosed by him.
Kim Yo Jong, the spokesperson for North Korea, dismissed Trump’s gestures and emphasized that the military drills, despite being downsized, still maintain their aggressive nature. She highlighted the need for the U.S. to avoid speculation on Pyongyang’s security matters.
Experts believe that North Korea’s missile launch served multiple purposes, including signaling opposition to the joint military exercises, expressing discontent over discussions on its nuclear arsenal, and cautioning against interference in its security affairs. The launch is seen as a reminder that decisions regarding North Korea’s security are solely within its domain.
Japan reported that North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards the sea, with the projectile falling outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his visit to Seoul, urged South Korea to maintain neutrality between Beijing and Washington and advocated for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. Recent meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping indicate strengthened ties between the two countries.
