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 fully prepared while engaging in joint exercises with the United States. An emergency security meeting was convened by the presidential office, with officials from the Defence Ministry and military authorities in attendance. The missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area towards the eastern sea of the Korean Peninsula, violating UN Security Council resolutions. South Korea has urged North Korea to cease such provocative actions immediately.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles flew approximately 300 kilometers towards the sea. This missile launch occurred following the announcement that the South Korean-U.S. joint military exercises, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, were being scaled back.
U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered a significant reduction in the military exercise, citing a positive relationship with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. Trump also mentioned South Korea’s non-support in the U.S.’s actions in Iran. Trump revealed that North Korea possesses 57 powerful nuclear weapons, a figure he disclosed for the first time, while South Korean officials estimate the count to be between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads.
Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister and a prominent spokesperson for the regime, dismissed Trump’s recent gestures. She emphasized that the nature of the military drills remains provocative despite reductions in duration and size. Kim Yo Jong also highlighted other military exercises conducted by the U.S. and South Korea earlier this year, along with South Korea’s initiatives to introduce nuclear-powered submarines.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s missile launch was intended to emphasize warnings issued by Kim Yo Jong and to signal opposition to the joint military exercises. The launch may also serve as a message to deter speculation on North Korea’s security affairs by outside powers. Trump’s approach towards North Korea has evolved from threatening rhetoric to diplomatic engagement, culminating in three meetings with Kim.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a visit to Seoul, encouraged South Korea to pursue peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas. Wang urged the U.S. to abandon its hostile policy towards North Korea. Recent interactions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un indicate a strengthening of ties between China and North Korea.