North Korea has again tested ballistic missiles after 5 months. Many short-range missiles went up to 350 km. The test came ahead of Trump’s Asia tour and the APEC summit, which South Korea described as an act of provocation.
Seoul: South Korea has said that North Korea has again tested ballistic missiles. According to the South Korean military, North Korea has tested ballistic missiles for the first time in five months. The military said several short-range missiles were fired from an area south of Pyongyang and traveled about 350 kilometers to the northeast. International media reported that the missiles did not fall into the sea, but the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff declined to provide further details. This missile test, which took place just before US President Donald Trump’s Asian tour, is being discussed all over the world. South Korea has described the test as a provocative action by North Korea, as it has happened when many world leaders, including Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are scheduled to come for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea from October 30 to November 1.
Will tension increase in this area?
South Korea also alleged that this missile test, conducted on the instructions of the North Korean ruler, was an attempt to increase tension in the region. South Korea has announced that it is ready to respond to any provocative action by North Korea. He also said that Kim Jong Un should not forget that he has a military alliance with America. However, North Korea has not yet given any official statement on this missile test. But Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said that he is in constant touch with America and South Korea regarding the developments in this area. Earlier, North Korea had tested short-range missiles on May 8. There was a lot of criticism in the international community at that time.
Trump’s first Asia tour in second term
At a recent military parade, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showed off new intercontinental ballistic missiles. North Korea claims that this is the country’s most powerful nuclear weapons system. The issue of this new missile test can be discussed in the APEC summit attended by Donald Trump. It is expected that the visit of Trump, who has good relations with Kim Jong Un, to South Korea can be important for political balance in the region. This is Trump’s first Asian tour after becoming US President for the second time.
On his Asia tour as part of the APEC summit, Trump will also visit Malaysia and Japan before reaching South Korea. Trump will reach the APEC summit only after detailed discussions with these countries. According to reports, Trump can have an important meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping here. In view of the issue of increasing tariffs, this US-China conversation will be very important for both the countries. Trump may also meet the South Korean President. North Korea’s missile tests and military-political tensions in the region are likely to be discussed in these meetings. Now it remains to be seen whether Trump will try to further strengthen relations with South Korea and Japan to maintain his influence in Asia. Also, it remains to be seen how he deals with Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping.