North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile as US Secretary Blinken visits Seoul, condemning the test amid tensions on Korean peninsula.
DPRK Launches Missile During US Secretary's Seoul Visit
A suspected medium-range ballistic missile was detected by South Korean forces launching from North Korea, coinciding with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's diplomatic mission to South Korea.
South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the projectile was launched around midday Monday from near Pyongyang, North Korea's capital city, in the direction of the East Sea.
Military officials in South Korea stated they have enhanced their monitoring systems for potential subsequent launches while maintaining operational readiness to exchange missile-related intelligence with American and Japanese partners.
During his visit, Blinken criticized the launch, describing it as "another instance of breaking multiple Security Council resolutions." He noted that the Biden administration has "made numerous attempts to engage with North Korea and invite them to discussions without prerequisites."
"This message has been conveyed through various channels, both privately and in public forums," Blinken stated during a Seoul press briefing. "However, their consistent response has been to escalate provocative actions, including these missile tests."
North Korea's previous ballistic missile test occurred on November 5, shortly before the United States held its presidential election.
Throughout Biden's presidency, the trilateral alliance of America, South Korea, and Japan has enhanced their capacity for instantaneous data exchange, which Blinken highlighted on Monday had "reinforced our collective defense and deterrence capabilities."
He characterized Monday's launch as "merely confirmation" of the significance of this three-way partnership, which extends to joint military exercises.
"These initiatives and additional measures represent a robust and appropriate response to North Korean provocations," Blinken remarked. "I'm confident that due to its mutual benefit, this cooperation will persist across future governments, whether in South Korea, the United States, or Japan, building upon our established framework."