North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward the sea, raising tensions ahead of South Korea–China talks

North Korea launched several ballistic missiles toward waters off the Korean Peninsula, prompting immediate condemnation and heightened military readiness measures in neighboring countries. South Korea’s military said it detected multiple launches and worked with U.S. and Japanese counterparts to analyze the missiles’ characteristics and trajectory. The timing was especially sensitive: the launches occurred shortly before South Korea’s president was scheduled to head to Beijing for discussions expected to touch on North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Officials in Seoul described the test as a deliberate provocation that undercuts diplomacy and destabilizes the region. Japan also reported detecting missile activity and reiterated that Pyongyang’s weapons development poses an unacceptable threat to regional and international security. The episode reinforces a familiar pattern in which North Korea mixes weapons demonstrations with political signaling, often around major diplomatic events. With North Korea reportedly preparing for significant internal political meetings and continuing to expand its missile production capacity, the launches underscore the likelihood of recurring tests in 2026—and the challenge for regional governments trying to combine deterrence, sanctions enforcement, and limited diplomatic engagement.

03.01.2026

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/03/north-korea-has-fired-ballistic-missile-towards-the-sea-of-japan