North Korea fires missiles towards sea as South Korean leader visits China

"The missile test comes as President Lee Jae Myung arrives in Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, their second in two months. North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast into the sea as South Korea's leader begins a state visit to China in its first barrage of the new year."

"In a statement, the US forces for the Asia Pacific said the missile launches did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies. Japan also reported that at least two missiles had reached distances of 900km (560 miles) and 950km (590 miles). North Korea's nuclear and missile development threatens the peace and stability of our country and the international society, and is absolutely intolerable, Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters."

"According to North Korean state media, leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday called for the doubling of production capacity of tactical guided weapons while visiting a munitions factory. In recent weeks, Kim has visited a series of weapons factories and a nuclear-powered submarine, overseeing missile tests in advance of the ninth party congress of the Workers' Party, which will take place later this year and set out key policy goals."

Multiple North Korean ballistic missiles were launched off the east coast into the sea, with reported ranges of about 900–950 km. The launches coincided with South Korea President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping. South Korean and US forces are analysing missile specifications while maintaining readiness. US Indo-Pacific forces stated there was no immediate threat to personnel or territory. Japan reported distances reached and condemned the development as threatening peace and stability. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pushed to increase tactical guided weapons production and inspected weapons factories and a submarine ahead of the party congress. An expert assessed the launches as a signal aimed at China and a display of strength.

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