On Tuesday, North Korea launched an unidentified projectile towards the Sea of Japan. This information was confirmed by representatives of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea, AFP reports.
Details of the incident
According to official sources, the launch took place against the backdrop of recent tests of a “medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile”, which Pyongyang had previously called “a means of deterring rivals in the Pacific region”.
The event took place just days before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, adding to diplomatic tensions in the region.
Reaction of South Korea and the United States
The launch coincided with a visit to South Korea by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Washington and Seoul have condemned Pyongyang’s actions, pointing to them as a threat to stability in the region. In response to the previous test, South Korea also conducted a test launch of a ballistic missile.
Expansion of Pyongyang’s Arsenal
North Korea is actively testing new types of weapons. In November, the country announced the successful test of a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which is the most powerful in its arsenal.
Geopolitical ties
The United States accuses Pyongyang of cooperating with Russia, in particular in the exchange of military aid for support in the conflict in Ukraine. Although neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in the war zone, these rumours are raising international tensions.
