North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles as Regional Tensions Rise

North Korea has launched several ballistic missiles into its eastern waters, drawing strong condemnation from Japan and South Korea and heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea’s defence ministry said the missiles travelled approximately 900 kilometres, a range that places much of the region within reach. Officials noted that the launches violate United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban Pyongyang from conducting ballistic missile tests.

Japan confirmed that two missiles were launched and warned that the tests pose a serious threat to both regional and global security. Tokyo said it had lodged a formal protest, calling the launches reckless and destabilising.

The missile tests occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae-myung departed for China, where he is expected to seek Beijing’s assistance in restarting stalled diplomatic talks with North Korea. Analysts say the timing of the launches may complicate diplomatic efforts and was likely intended to send a strong political and military signal.

North Korea has frequently used weapons tests to underscore its military capabilities, particularly during periods of diplomatic engagement or ahead of major political events. Critics argue the latest launches are part of a broader show of force ahead of the country’s next ruling Workers’ Party summit, where military strategy and defence priorities are expected to feature prominently.

Pyongyang has defended its weapons programs as necessary for self-defence, citing what it calls hostile policies by the United States and its allies. Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo maintain that North Korea’s missile and nuclear activities undermine regional stability and threaten international security.

There was no immediate indication that the missiles caused damage, but defence officials across the region said monitoring and readiness levels had been heightened in response to the launches.