North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea early Wednesday, just days before South Korea is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, escalating regional tensions as global leaders prepare to convene.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were launched from an undisclosed site on North Korea’s eastern coast and flew approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) before landing in the sea. The launch marks Pyongyang’s first missile test in several months and the first since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June.
“Our military has reinforced surveillance and remains in close coordination with the US and Japan,” South Korea’s military said in a statement cited by Yonhap News Agency.
The timing of the launch, a week before the APEC summit in Gyeongju, has raised diplomatic concerns. Leaders including US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to attend the event, which now faces the shadow of renewed provocations from Pyongyang.
Experts have suggested that North Korea’s action could be a calculated move to reassert its military presence and draw international attention ahead of the high-profile summit.
North Korea continues to defy international sanctions, claiming its weapons development is essential for self-defense against perceived threats from Washington and Seoul.
The missile launches follow a recent military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, where leader Kim Jong Un unveiled new missile systems and emphasized his commitment to advancing nuclear technology.
While tensions rise, hopes for dialogue remain faint. US President Trump, who held historic meetings with Kim during his first term, has expressed willingness to meet him again. However, analysts warn that Pyongyang’s latest tests may hinder any near-term diplomatic engagement as the world’s attention turns to the upcoming APEC summit.
