North Korea's military conducted a ballistic missile launch on Tuesday morning, originating from the country's east coast and heading towards the Sea of Japan, as confirmed by South Korean officials. The projectile eventually landed in the sea, as reported by Japan's coast guard.
Against the backdrop of concerns over potential collaboration between North Korea and Russia posing a threat to the region, South Korea, the United States, and Japan are strengthening their alliances. President Biden is slated to engage with Japanese and South Korean officials during a NATO summit in Washington, D.C. The timing of the missile launch coincides closely with Russia's recent veto of a United Nations resolution aimed at monitoring the enforcement of nuclear sanctions against North Korea.
Notably, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent directive to his military to brace for potential conflict adds to the tensions. In response, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed willingness to meet with Kim, seeking to address the escalating situation. However, senior North Korean official Kim Yo Jong dismissed prospects of significant improvement in North Korea-Japan relations, citing historical distrust and misunderstanding. She emphasized the necessity for Japan to make strategic decisions conducive to regional peace and stability.
Member discussion: