Advertisement
North Korea prepares for Apec – with a ballistic missile launch
The launch, Pyongyang’s first in months, is seen by some as an invite for Trump to meet, by others as a test run for a Russian arms deal
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
2
With the Apec summit in South Korea just days away, the nuclear-armed North fired a ballistic missile on Wednesday in an apparent bid to remind the world of its growing arsenal.
The launch, occurring against the backdrop of deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia, has reignited fears of escalating provocations and their implications for global stability.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missile, presumed to be a Hwasong-11da-4.5, was launched from North Hwanghae province at around 8.10am local time.
Advertisement
The short-range tactical ballistic missile, an advanced iteration of the radar-evading KN-23 – known as the “North Korean Iskander” after the missile Russia has put to use with deadly effect in Ukraine – was reportedly launched towards the Sea of Japan but ultimately fell inland.
“While strengthening surveillance and vigilance against the possibility of additional launches, our military is maintaining full readiness, closely sharing related information with the United States and Japan,” South Korea’s military said in a statement.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x