North Korea welcomes Trump to Apec with nuclear-capable ‘Fire Arrow’ missile test
Analysts view the ‘Fire Arrow’ missile launch, timed just before Apec, as a calculated bid to strengthen Pyongyang’s negotiating position
The missiles, described by North Korean state media as enhanced models optimised for ship-based launches, were fired vertically on Tuesday, reportedly soaring for about 7,800 seconds – more than two hours – before striking their land-based target. Pyongyang claims its arsenal is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Asked on Wednesday about the launch, Trump brushed off concerns, reportedly saying of Kim: “He’s been launching missiles for decades, right?”
He told reporters aboard Air Force One that he expected to hold a meeting with the North Korean leader “at some point in the not too distant future”, reiterating that the pair “had a really good understanding of each other”.
During a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump said “I know Kim Jong-un very well. We get along very well” but “we really weren’t able to work out timing”.