South Korea’s presidential office has criticized North Korea’s firing of over 10 short-range ballistic missiles and has instructed its military to remain on high alert during the ongoing joint drills with the United States. The office held an emergency security meeting with officials from the Defence Ministry and military following the missile launches towards the east of the Korean Peninsula from the Pyongyang region.
Describing the ballistic missile launch as a serious breach of UN Security Council resolutions, South Korea called on North Korea to cease such actions immediately. The country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles traveled approximately 300 kilometers into the sea.
This incident occurred after the South Korean and U.S. militaries announced a reduction in their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which were set to end by Friday. President Donald Trump had directed a substantial decrease in the exercises, citing his positive relationship with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s non-participation in the U.S. conflict with Iran.
In response to questions about a potential meeting with Kim this year, Trump confirmed his intention. He also mentioned that North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons, a figure he disclosed for the first time. South Korean officials estimate the number of North Korea’s nuclear warheads to be between 80 and 120.
Kim Yo Jong, the spokesperson for North Korea and Kim Jong Un’s sister, rejected Trump’s outreach and criticized the reduced military exercises, emphasizing that they still carry a hostile nature. She highlighted previous military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea and South Korea’s plans to introduce nuclear-powered submarines.
Analysts suggest that the missile launch was aimed at asserting North Korea’s stance on various issues, including opposition to joint military exercises, dissatisfaction with discussions on its nuclear arsenal, and warning against interference in its security matters. The launch may also have served to test improved missile systems.
Over the past years, Trump has questioned the cost of maintaining U.S. troops in South Korea, despite the existing cost-sharing agreement. While Seoul contributes significant funds towards American troop upkeep, Trump insists that South Korea should pay more.
Japan reported that North Korea had 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, encouraged South Korea to maintain neutrality between Beijing and Washington and advocated for a peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas.
China and North Korea have shown signs of strengthening their relations, with Kim and Xi Jinping holding meetings in the past year.
