SEOUL, Jan 14: On Tuesday, North Korea launched multiple missiles into its eastern waters, according to South Korea’s military, continuing its series of weapon tests ahead of Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House.
South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff reported that the missiles were launched from a northern inland location and are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles. The exact distance they traveled remains unclear.
In response, the South Korean military has enhanced its surveillance and is sharing launch details with the US and Japanese armed forces.
This marks North Korea’s second missile event of 2025, following a prior ballistic test last week.
On January 6, North Korea claimed the test was for a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile intended for targets in the Pacific, with leader Kim Jong Un pledging to expand the nation’s nuclear-capable arsenal to counter perceived threats from adversarial nations.
Having just completed a busy year of weapon testing, North Korea demonstrated several new systems in 2024, including solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland and various shorter-range missiles aimed at penetrating missile defenses in South Korea. There are worries that advancements in its military capabilities may be bolstered by technology transfers from Russia, especially as both countries grow closer amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During a year-end political conference, Kim emphasized advancing a strict anti-US policy and criticized the Biden administration’s efforts to enhance security cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo, which he labeled a “nuclear military bloc for aggression.”
North Korean state media did not elaborate on Kim’s policy intentions or provide specific statements regarding Trump. During Trump’s first term, he had three meetings with Kim to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program.
Should Trump reclaim the presidency, a swift renewal of diplomatic relations with North Korea appears uncertain. Experts suggest that Kim’s strengthened position, which includes a more robust nuclear arsenal, a deepening partnership with Russia, and a decrease in stringent enforcement of US international sanctions, complicates the effort to address the ongoing nuclear standoff. (AP)
