North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles, its first test of 2026, hours before South Korea’s president heads to China for a summit
SEOUL: North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast on Sunday in its first launch of the year.
The launch occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for a summit in China.
Seoul’s defence ministry detected several projectiles fired from near Pyongyang around 7.50am local time.
The missiles flew approximately 900 kilometres, according to the South Korean military.
South Korea and the United States are closely analysing the specifications while maintaining a full readiness posture.
Seoul’s National Security Council convened an emergency meeting, calling the launch a provocative act violating UN resolutions.
Japan’s defence ministry also detected the launch, noting two missiles reached an altitude of 50 kilometres.
“North Korea’s nuclear and missile development threatens the peace and stability of our country and the international society, and is absolutely intolerable,” Japan’s defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi said.
The test follows a recent US military operation against North Korea’s ally Venezuela.
Analysts suggest this operation likely influenced Pyongyang’s decision to conduct the launch.
“They likely fear that if the United States so chooses, it could launch a precision strike at any moment, threatening the regime’s survival,” said analyst Hong Min.
“The underlying message is likely that attacking North Korea would not be as easy as a strike on Venezuela.”
The launch also precedes a landmark ruling party congress in North Korea in the coming weeks.
Ahead of the congress, leader Kim Jong Un ordered the expansion and modernisation of missile production.
State media reported Kim visited a tactical weapons facility and ordered a 250% increase in production capacity.
South Korean President Lee hopes to harness China’s clout over the North to improve inter-Korean ties during his Beijing visit.
North Korea has significantly stepped up missile testing in recent years to improve its strike capabilities.
