North Korea fires ten missiles

North Korean forces launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the coastal city of Wonsan on Thursday, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. Each missile traveled roughly 250 kilometers, or 155 miles, toward the East Sea. Japan’s Defense Ministry also detected the suspected launch. The South Korean military stated it maintained readiness to respond to any provocations in coordination with the United States.

The test followed a surge in hostilities between the two Koreas. Last month, three South Korean soldiers were injured by land mines that exploded near the military demarcation line. Seoul claimed Pyongyang planted the mines south of the border and demanded an apology. North Korea denied responsibility and threatened retaliation if provoked. In response to what it called repeated South Korean warning shots, North Korea announced last week it would resume propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy new weapons systems along the border. Seoul has proposed talks to clarify border rules but has received no reply.

This latest barrage is part of a series of recent weapons tests that included submarine-launched cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles. Experts suggest the tests aim to pressure the United States into larger concessions, especially as President Donald Trump seeks to restore diplomatic channels with Kim Jong Un. The activity also coincides with Kim’s recent diplomatic efforts to strengthen his relationship with China.

On Saturday, Kim traveled to the Chinese border city of Dandong via a new bridge to visit a memorial dedicated to the 1950-53 Korean War. It was his sixth trip to China since taking power in late 2011. At the site, he described the alliance with China as “invincible.” He later met with Wang Huning, a senior Chinese Communist Party official, to reaffirm their commitment to bilateral cooperation. Kim has recently prioritized China over Russia after sending troops and ammunition to support the war in Ukraine.

The border itself remains a flashpoint. Associated Press reporters visiting a South Korean border town earlier this week noted North Korean artillery guns on the opposite side that were previously hidden. In recent years, North Korea has installed more mines and barbed wire along the frontier as part of Kim’s policy to distance itself from the South. Seoul says North Korean troops have crossed the line during construction work, prompting warning shots, a claim Pyongyang rejects.