North Korea launches a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan in its second test this month, as Pyongyang expands its weapons programme.
SEOUL: North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan on Tuesday.
Tokyo’s defence ministry and South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff both confirmed the launch, which they said was directed towards the body of water Seoul calls the East Sea.
The test is Pyongyang’s second of the month, following a salvo of missiles fired hours before South Korea’s leader headed to China for a summit.
North Korea has significantly stepped up its missile testing in recent years.
Analysts say this drive aims to improve precision strike capabilities and challenge the United States and South Korea.
The tests also allow Pyongyang to trial weapons before potentially exporting them to Russia.
The launch comes as North Korea prepares to hold a landmark congress of its ruling party in the coming weeks, its first in five years.
Ahead of that meeting, leader Kim Jong Un ordered the “expansion” and modernisation of the country’s missile production.
