In a recent development that further heightens tensions in the region, North Korea launched two short-range missiles off its eastern coast on Thursday.
The South Korean military reported the missile launches, which occurred less than an hour after North Korea had warned of an “inevitable” response to military exercises conducted by South Korean and U.S. troops earlier in the day.
These missile launches by North Korea took place while Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, was in Tokyo for meetings with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts.
During a meeting between Sullivan, South Korea’s national security adviser Cho Tae-yong, and Japan’s National Security Advisor Takeo Akiba, the three officials discussed North Korea’s missile program and expressed their commitment to working closely together to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons.
Japan released a readout of the meeting, highlighting the joint efforts of the countries involved.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan jointly condemned North Korea’s missile launches in a statement released by the White House.
The statement emphasized that these actions by North Korea violated several United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Furthermore, the statement reiterated the commitment of the three countries to continue their cooperation and stressed that such provocations would not undermine their collective resolve.
Japan’s defense ministry revealed that the two ballistic missiles landed within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), potentially indicating an irregular trajectory.
The missiles reportedly landed in the Sea of Japan, approximately 250 km north-northwest of Hegura island, which is part of Ishikawa prefecture.
This marks the 13th time that North Korean missiles have landed within Japan’s EEZ, prompting Japanese Vice Minister of Defense Kimi Onoda to express concern.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly criticized North Korea’s missile launch during a press briefing, calling it a violation of Security Council resolutions and an escalation of provocations against the international community.
Kishida further stated that Japan had lodged a strong protest against North Korea in response to the missile launches.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol observed joint live-fire exercises conducted by several thousand South Korean and U.S. troops on Thursday.
These military drills serve as a display of strength by the allies, aimed at deterring North Korea. A spokesperson for North Korea’s Ministry of National Defense criticized the exercises, accusing them of escalating military tension in the region and warning of a stern response to any perceived protests or provocations by enemies.
In recent weeks, North Korea’s activities have raised concerns internationally. Last month, the country made an unsuccessful attempt to launch a spy satellite, marking its first satellite launch since 2016.
The rocket booster and payload ultimately plunged into the sea. It is crucial to note that North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs are prohibited by United Nations Security Council resolutions, which have resulted in sanctions against the country.
Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear arsenal have faced significant obstacles and have thus far been unsuccessful.
Notably, on Wednesday, South Korea filed a lawsuit against North Korea, seeking $35 million in compensation for a liaison office that North Korea demolished in 2020.
This legal action highlights the deterioration of relations between the two neighbors as North Korea continues to prioritize its weapons programs.
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