North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had launched sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters, showcasing its advancing military capabilities while U.S. President Donald Trump visited South Korea for a regional summit. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the missiles flew for over two hours and accurately hit their intended targets, claiming that these weapons would enhance the country’s nuclear-armed military’s operational reach.
South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff confirmed the launch preparations and stated that the cruise missiles were fired in North Korea’s northwestern waters around 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Both South Korea and the United States are closely analyzing the situation and maintaining a joint defense readiness to swiftly respond to any provocations from North Korea.
The missile tests were observed by senior military official Pak Jong Chon, who also oversaw sailor training on North Korea’s new destroyers, Choe Hyon and Kang Kon. These destroyers are considered crucial assets by leader Kim Jong-un in bolstering the country’s navy capabilities.
This recent missile launch follows a series of short-range ballistic missile tests conducted by North Korea last week, showcasing a new hypersonic system aimed at strengthening its nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Although Trump expressed interest in a meeting with Kim during his South Korea visit, South Korean officials have indicated that such a meeting is unlikely. North Korea has refrained from engaging in any discussions with Washington and Seoul since the breakdown of Kim’s nuclear diplomacy with Trump in 2019.
Kim’s current foreign policy focus is on Russia, as he has been actively supporting President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine while positioning North Korea as part of a united front against the Western-led by the U.S. Kim stated that he will not resume talks with the U.S. unless Washington abandons its demand for North Korea’s denuclearization, despite Trump’s repeated calls for new diplomatic efforts.
