North Korea fires ballistic missiles ahead of APEC Summit in show of force

GYEONGJU/(South Korea) :North Korea has test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles just days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is set to begin in South Korea.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that several projectiles were launched early Wednesday morning from an area south of Pyongyang. The missiles flew approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) before landing inland, contradicting earlier reports suggesting they had splashed down in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.

This marks North Korea’s first missile launch in five months, and notably the first since President Lee Jae-myung assumed office in June. The timing is also significant, coming just one week before U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other regional leaders are scheduled to arrive in the South Korean city of Gyeongju for the APEC summit.

South Korea’s military said it is on high alert and closely coordinating with allies the United States and Japan. “Our military has stepped up monitoring in preparation for additional launches and is maintaining a steadfast readiness posture,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

In a further sign of escalating military capabilities, Pyongyang also completed its ninth and final test of a long-range nuclear missile engine, raising concerns over potential future provocations during or after the summit.