North Korea’s “unusual” missile launch

The South Korean military said the missiles were launched between 9:08 a.m. and 9:43 a.m. local time, according to Yonhap news agency.

Responding to the missile launch, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol convened a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), and ordered enhanced deterrence and joint defense coordination between Seoul and Washington. . According to the NSC, the case is a “test and challenge” for the administration of President Yoon, who took office last month. Meanwhile, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi called the launch “unusual” and “unacceptable”. Officials from South Korea, Japan and the United States also discussed North Korea’s latest actions.

Officials from South Korea, Japan and the United States met on North Korea in Seoul on June 3 Photo: REUTERS

Michael Duitsman, an expert at the James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Studies (USA), told Reuters that the launch with such a large number of missiles showed that this was a military exercise or show. a show of strength, rather than a move to try new technology. Meanwhile, according to expert Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha University (South Korea), the above development shows that Pyongyang continues to “diversify and expand” its arsenal.

North Korea’s latest missile launch comes a day after the United States and South Korea concluded a three-day joint naval exercise. Notably, this is the first time the joint exercises have involved a US aircraft carrier since 2017, which is said to be aimed at sending a message to Pyongyang after a series of missile tests since the beginning of the year. it’s time. In addition, US and South Korean officials have recently warned that North Korea is preparing to conduct a nuclear test. If it happens, it would be the first nuclear test since 2017.

Speaking during a visit to Seoul on June 3, Sung Kim, the US special envoy for North Korea, affirmed that Washington is ready to work with its allies Seoul and Tokyo to deal with contingencies on the Korean peninsula. . However, the official said that the US is open to diplomacy with North Korea and that he is willing to discuss issues of concern to Pyongyang, such as sanctions relief.