South Korea’s presidential office has strongly criticized North Korea’s firing of over 10 short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday. The office has instructed the military to maintain full readiness during ongoing joint exercises with the United States. An emergency security meeting was called by the presidential office, which was attended by officials from the Defence Ministry and military authorities. The missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area towards the east of the Korean Peninsula into the sea, violating UN Security Council resolutions. South Korea urged North Korea to immediately stop such actions.
The ballistic missile launches prompted a review of South Korea’s response posture, assessment of security implications, and discussions on necessary measures, according to the presidential office. The missiles traveled approximately 300 kilometers towards the sea, as reported by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The missile launch occurred after South Korea and the U.S. announced a reduction in their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, with U.S. President Donald Trump ordering a substantial reduction in the exercise citing a positive relationship with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. Trump also revealed that North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons, a figure he mentioned for the first time. However, South Korean officials estimate the number to be between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads.
Following the missile launch, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, dismissed Trump’s statements and criticized the military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea. She emphasized that personal relations between her brother and Trump remain strong but denied any response to Trump’s request for a conversation.
Analysts suggest that the missile launch was a strategic move by North Korea to convey messages regarding its security affairs, opposition to South Korea-U.S. military exercises, and warning against speculation on Pyongyang’s security. Trump’s approach towards North Korea has shifted from initial hostility, with subsequent meetings with Kim not yielding significant diplomatic progress.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, during his visit to Seoul, advocated for peaceful coexistence between South Korea and North Korea, urging the U.S. to abandon its hostile policy towards North Korea. The recent strengthening of ties between China and North Korea, including meetings between Kim and Xi Jinping, signals a possible shift in regional dynamics.