North Korea fires suspected short-range ballistic missiles
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People watch a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea firing multiple short-range missiles, in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan 14.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SEOUL - North Korea launched several suspected short-range ballistic missiles on Jan 14, according to Seoul’s military, in what experts said could be a message to US President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
The launch comes as Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visits South Korea for a series of meetings with top officials, with the Asian neighbours seeking to boost bilateral ties before Trump returns to office next week.
“The South Korean military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea,” Seoul’s military said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.
It said the launch took place around 9.30am local time (8.30am Singapore time) near North Korea’s Ganggye area, with the missiles flying 250km before landing in the sea.
The United States Indo-Pacific Command condemned the test, calling on North Korea “to refrain from further unlawful and destabilising acts”.
Seoul’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok also slammed the launch, saying it violated United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“Seoul will respond more strongly to North Korea’s provocations based on its strong security posture and alliance with the US,” he said.
Experts said the latest launch on Jan 14 could be sending a message to the incoming Trump administration.
“It could be aimed at the US,” said Professor Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. “It may indicate an intention put pressure ahead of the Trump administration’s second term.”
Second test in 2025
Mr Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP “it appears to be an intention to assert presence ahead of the Trump administration”.
He said it could also be aimed at “destabilising South Korea during Seoul’s own period of turmoil”, as suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an impeachment trial that begins on Jan 14 in the Constitutional Court after a failed martial law bid in December.
The Jan 14 launch is Pyongyang’s second in 2025, after it fired last week what it said was a new hypersonic missile system
The location of the test site was undisclosed but images released by North Korean state media KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un observing last week’s launch
Mr Kim said the missile flew 1,500km – beyond the 1,100km figure given by South Korea’s military – and travelled at 12 times the speed of sound before landing in the ocean.
KCNA cited the use of a “new compound of carbon fibre” in the missile’s engine, which experts warned could allow Pyongyang to hit further targets with technology to which only the US, Russia and China currently have access.
Relations between the two Koreas have been at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles last year in violation of UN sanctions.
In response to Pyongyang’s increased capabilities, South Korea’s state arms procurement agency said on Jan 14 it has begun developing a new missile defence system “aiming to intercept North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats at higher altitudes”.
The missile system will cost 567.7 billion won (S$532 million) and is scheduled to be ready by 2028, Seoul’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration said in a statement.
US warnings
Last week’s alleged hypersonic missile launch came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea.
While in Seoul, Mr Blinken said Russia was increasing cooperation with Pyongyang, adding that they were working ever more closely on advanced space technology.
Mr Ahn said another reason for Jan 14’s launch may be the testing of “missiles for export to Russia to be used in Ukraine”.
Mr Blinken also voiced renewed concern that Russia, a veto-wielding UN Security Council member, would formally accept North Korea as a nuclear state in a blow to global consensus that Pyongyang must end its programme.
In late October, North Korea test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile. Days later, it fired a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles.
In response, South Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea in a show of force.
US and South Korean intelligence also believe that North Korea late in 2024 sent thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine and has already suffered hundreds of casualties
But neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed that Pyongyang’s forces are fighting for Moscow.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv had captured two North Korean soldiers, releasing video of the injured combatants being interrogated. AFP
