North Korea test-fires cruise missiles as Donald Trump heads to South to meet world leaders
North Korea has test-fired several sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump’s arrival in South Korea for high-level meetings with world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The missile tests, overseen by senior military official Pak Jong Chon, lasted more than two hours and were described by North Korean state media as a successful demonstration of the country’s increasing nuclear capabilities—a direct signal of deterrence to its adversaries.
Details of the Missile Test
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North Korea launched the cruise missiles from the Yellow Sea, claiming all missiles accurately struck their targets after flying for more than two hours.
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The test is intended to expand the operational reach of North Korea’s nuclear-capable military and to bolster its perceived deterrent against potential threats.
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South Korea’s military detected the preparations and maintains a state of high readiness together with U.S. forces, prepared for any possible escalation.
Context: Donald Trump’s Visit
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President Trump’s visit to South Korea is part of an Asia tour, during which he will address the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and hold talks with Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung.
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Trump has expressed willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit, but South Korean officials have indicated that such a meeting is improbable given current diplomatic deadlock since the collapse of earlier nuclear talks.
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North Korea, meanwhile, has pivoted much of its diplomatic focus toward Russia, supporting the idea of a “new Cold War” against the U.S.-led West and sending military supplies to Russia for the Ukraine conflict.
Strategic and Diplomatic Implications
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The missile test is viewed as a strategic show of strength timed to coincide with the high-profile gathering of world leaders in South Korea.
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North Korea is likely leveraging these launches to underline its unwillingness to return to denuclearization talks unless the U.S. changes its preconditions, while also reinforcing domestic and international perceptions of its military advancement.
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The launches have heightened military and diplomatic tensions in the region at a moment of intense focus on security, trade, and geopolitical alliances in the Asia-Pacific.
