North Korea launches ballistic missiles shortly before Trump’s visit to Asia

North Korea Launches Short-Range Missiles Ahead of Trump’s Visit

North Korea conducted a test of multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday. This happened just days before President Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders in South Korea.

According to South Korea’s military, these launches—North Korea’s first in five months—originated from south of Pyongyang and traveled approximately 350 miles northeast. They noted that the missiles did not reach the sea.

Trump’s upcoming trip to Asia marks his first visit to the region since beginning his second term. He plans to start in Malaysia for a regional summit, then head to Japan, and later to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.

Before the summit, Trump will visit Gyeongju, South Korea. Here, he is expected to have bilateral discussions with Xi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

South Korea’s military emphasized its readiness to counter any provocations from the North, reaffirming its alliance with the United States.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned that Japan is maintaining close communications with both Washington and Seoul, sharing real-time missile warning information.

This missile launch on Wednesday was notable as North Korea’s first since it tested a short-range missile simulating a nuclear response against U.S. and South Korean forces back in May.

Earlier this month, Kim Jong Un displayed a new long-range intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade in Pyongyang. This missile, called the Hwasong-20, has yet to be tested and is described by state media as part of an advanced nuclear weapons system.

At the same parade, North Korea also showcased various short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and supersonic missiles, celebrating the 80th anniversary of its ruling party.