North Korea conducted a missile test Tuesday, firing several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea from its western coastline, according to South Korean military officials.
The missiles were launched from Jongju city along North Korea’s western shore, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported.
In response to the weapons test, South Korean military officials said they have increased their surveillance operations and are sharing intelligence with both U.S. and Japanese counterparts.
Tuesday’s missile launch marks the first weapons test conducted by North Korea since April 19, when the nation fired several short-range missiles that state media characterized as testing cluster bomb warheads.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has prioritized building up his country’s nuclear and missile capabilities following the breakdown of nuclear negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. While Trump has publicly stated his interest in restarting diplomatic talks with Kim, North Korea has dismissed these attempts and insists Washington must abandon its demands for nuclear disarmament before any negotiations can proceed.
Kim has adopted an increasingly aggressive approach toward South Korea, labeling it his nation’s permanent and most hostile enemy while working to sever all diplomatic connections.
During a Cabinet session earlier Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for enhanced military development efforts. He highlighted the need for advances in artificial intelligence and drone technology, as well as the possible procurement of a nuclear-powered submarine, which has been a topic in discussions with Washington.
Lee, who advocates for better relations with North Korea, did not directly address the northern threat. However, he emphasized South Korea’s need to show “resolve to take responsibility for and protect our own security ourselves,” arguing that such independence would also strengthen the alliance with the United States.
