North Korea has fired a nuclear-capable missile with a range of potentially thousands of kilometers toward the open sea, according to the South Korean military. The general staff in Seoul announced that the launch took place on Thursday morning (local time) near the North Korean capital Pyongyang. The rocket then flew towards the Sea of Japan (Korean: East Sea).
According to the information, it was a medium or longer range rocket. Further details were not initially known. The range of medium-range missiles exceeds 800 kilometers, that of long-range missiles 5500 kilometers. UN decisions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missiles of any range. Such missiles can be armed with one or more nuclear warheads. The country is subject to harsh international sanctions for its nuclear weapons and missile programs.
Conflict is the theme of Baerbock’s visit to Asia
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are currently escalating again. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea, ruled by Kim Jong Un, has again this year tested nuclear-capable missiles, including ICBMs and guided missiles. The US and its ally South Korea resumed full-scale joint military exercises.
The conflict with North Korea will also be an issue during Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s visit to East Asia. The Green politician was initially expected in China on Thursday. On Saturday she will travel to South Korea and on Sunday to the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Japan.