North Korea fired multiple short range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, just days before former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit South Korea for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The launches, confirmed by South Korea’s military, violate a United Nations Security Council ban and have raised fresh concerns across the region.
This is North Korea’s first missile test since May and the first since South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae Myung took office. President Lee, who supports dialogue with Pyongyang, is set to host Trump next week. Trump is also expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that several missiles were launched from near Pyongyang, flying around 350 km (217 miles) in a northeast direction before reportedly landing inland. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assured there was no immediate threat to Japan, while Tokyo continues to share real-time details with the United States.
Diplomatic Context:
Lee and Trump are considering a possible meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Trump’s visit, but Pyongyang has not given any response. U.S. officials also considered a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), but no confirmation has been made.
South Korea has temporarily halted tours to the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom until early November, adding to speculation about heightened security and sensitive diplomatic moves.
Background & Previous Diplomacy:
Trump and Kim Jong Un held three historic summits between 2017 and 2021, exchanging letters and pledging peace, but talks collapsed over disagreements about North Korea giving up nuclear weapons.
In September, Kim said he held “fond memories” of Trump and was open to talks if the U.S. stops demanding nuclear disarmament. However, he made it clear that North Korea would never abandon its nuclear arsenal just to lift sanctions.
Growing Military Tensions:
North Korea, a nuclear-armed nation, has spent years expanding its missile technology despite strict international sanctions. Earlier this month, it showcased its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade attended by China’s premier.
The last missile launch before this was on May 8, when Pyongyang fired several short-range missiles from its east coast.
Expert Opinions:
- Victor Cha, from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said a brief Trump-Kim meeting isn’t impossible and might not be harmful, given global tensions.
- Andrew Yeo, of the Brookings Institution, said the chances are slim due to Trump’s tight schedule and upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping.
