North Korea has test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan, on its east coast, within a span of just three hours, in what is being seen as a fresh challenge to the international community. The launches took place under the leadership of President Kim Jong Un. The first missile traveled about 450 kilometers, while the second flew more than 600 kilometers. Both eventually crashed into the sea.
South Korea and Japan reacted with strong anger and demanded that Pyongyang immediately halt its ballistic missile tests. Japan also expressed concern that the launches threaten its national security.
The tests carry added significance because of their timing. The United States and South Korea conducted joint military exercises last month. There is also talk that Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump may soon meet, and the missile launches have complicated the outlook for any such meeting.
Security analysts believe the back-to-back tests should not be viewed merely as a military display. In their view, the launches are a direct warning from North Korea to the international community and to hostile countries pressuring it. Concerns have also been raised that the situation could adversely affect major trade and shipping routes in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and South Korea, alarmed by the move, are now reviewing their defense preparations.
After the launches, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, issued a public statement alleging that US-led military activities in South Korea are undermining peace on the Korean Peninsula. She declared that strengthening nuclear weapons and expanding missile systems for national defense is North Korea’s fundamental right, and warned that the country will not back down on the matter in the slightest.