On Tuesday (April 2), the military of South Korea reported that North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea along its east coast. This action has promptly drawn criticism from the prime minister of Japan.
The ballistic missile test conducted on Tuesday marked the third one in 2024. The previous tests included a solid-fuel missile overseen by Kim Jong Un in March and another one equipped with a manoeuvrable hypersonic warhead in January.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea have reported the identification of a launch that seems to be a ballistic missile of intermediate-range classification. This launch originated from the vicinity of Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, at 6:53 am on Tuesday. According to South Korea, the missile travelled approximately 600 kilometres (372 miles) before descending into the sea. On the other hand, Japan’s defense ministry estimated its range to be around 650 kilometres (400 miles), reaching a peak altitude of 100 kilometres (62 miles).
Japan reported that the missile seemed to have landed beyond Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It is worth mentioning that Russia and North Korea are strengthening their military ties, while the United States, along with its key Asian partners South Korea and Japan, are enhancing security collaboration.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida publicly criticized North Korea for the recent missile launch on Tuesday, emphasizing the negative impact on regional peace and stability. In a previous statement, North Korea expressed disinterest in holding a summit with Japan and indicated a refusal to engage in any talks, further straining the already tense relations between the two nations.
