In a provocative move that escalates global tensions, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles on Sunday. The launch coincided with the start of a crucial state visit to China by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and came just hours after a U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
A Calculated Timing for Maximum Impact
The missile firings, the first by Pyongyang in two months, occurred around 7:50 a.m. local time (2250 GMT Saturday). South Korea's military reported the projectiles flew approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles), while Japan's assessment indicated at least two missiles with ranges of about 900 km and 950 km. The missiles were launched from the capital, Pyongyang, into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
This timing was highly strategic. It took place hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The South Korean leader's visit aimed to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. Analysts were quick to interpret the launch as a direct message.
Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, stated the launches represented "a message to China to deter closer ties with South Korea and to counter China’s stance on denuclearization." He further suggested North Korea wanted to signal that, as a nuclear power, it is "different from Venezuela" and prepared for "aggressive deterrence."
Global Reactions and the Venezuela Context
The North Korean launch followed a dramatic U.S. assault in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. North Korea's government issued a strong condemnation, accusing Washington of "wildly violating the sovereignty of Venezuela" and demonstrating the "rogue and brutal nature of the U.S."
Bong Youngshik, a visiting professor at Yonsei University, noted the likely psychological impact on Pyongyang: "After seeing what’s happening in Venezuela right now, the person who would be most afraid is Kim Jong Un."
Regional powers swiftly criticized the missile tests. South Korea's presidential office convened an emergency security meeting and urged the North to cease "provocative acts that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions." Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the launches threatened regional and international peace, lodging a "strong protest" and condemnation.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated the event did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or allies but confirmed close consultations with partners were underway.
Kim's Military Buildup Ahead of Party Congress
The missile tests are part of a broader pattern of military posturing by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. On Saturday, state media reported Kim called for more than doubling the production capacity of tactical guided weapons during a visit to a munitions factory.
In recent weeks, Kim has conducted a series of inspections at weapons factories and a nuclear-powered submarine, overseeing tests ahead of the upcoming Ninth Party Congress of the Workers’ Party. This congress is expected to set major policy directions for the isolated state.
As diplomacy continues, South Korea hopes Beijing will leverage its influence. Wi Sung-lac, a security adviser to President Lee, expressed expectations for China to play a role in promoting peninsula peace. Experts suggest Lee's agenda with Xi includes persuading China to facilitate dialogue with North Korea, which has so far dismissed outreach from the South Korean administration that took office seven months ago.
