South Korea’s presidential office has strongly criticized North Korea for launching over 10 short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday. In response, the office has directed its military to remain on high alert during the ongoing joint exercises with the United States.
Following North Korea’s missile launches from the Pyongyang area towards the east of the Korean Peninsula, an emergency security meeting was convened by the presidential office. Officials from the Defence Ministry and military authorities attended the meeting, where it was emphasized that the missile launch violated UN Security Council resolutions. The office called for an immediate cessation of such provocative actions by North Korea.
The missiles, which were fired towards the sea, flew approximately 300 kilometers, as confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. This incident occurred shortly after the announcement that the South Korean and U.S. militaries were scaling back their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises.
U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered a substantial reduction in the military exercise prior to its commencement, citing positive relations with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s stance on the U.S. conflict with Iran. Trump also mentioned that North Korea possesses around 57 potent nuclear weapons, while South Korean officials estimate the number to be between 80 and 120 warheads.
Kim Yo Jong, who serves as a spokesperson for the North Korean regime, dismissed Trump’s gestures and criticized the reduced military drills, emphasizing that the nature of the exercises remains provocative and aggressive. She highlighted the ongoing military drills between the U.S. and South Korea earlier in the year, as well as South Korea’s plans to introduce nuclear-powered submarines.
Analysts suggest that the missile launch was a strategic move by North Korea to convey various messages, including opposition to the joint military exercises, dissatisfaction with discussions on its nuclear arsenal, and a warning to external powers regarding speculations on Pyongyang’s security affairs. This action underscores North Korea’s assertion that decisions concerning its security are its sovereign prerogative.
In the past, Trump has been vocal about the costs of maintaining U.S. troops in South Korea, despite the existing cost-sharing agreement between the two countries. South Korea is set to contribute a significant amount towards the upkeep of American troops, but Trump continues to argue that the contribution is inadequate.
Meanwhile, Japan has also reported a ballistic missile launch by North Korea towards the sea, with the projectile falling outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his visit to Seoul, urged South Korea to maintain a neutral stance between China and the U.S., advocating for a peaceful coexistence between South Korea and North Korea. China and North Korea have shown signs of strengthening their relationship, with Kim and Xi Jinping having met twice in the past year.