The Japanese government reported that North Korea has launched a missile which is suspected to be ballistic. The Japan Coast Guard confirmed that the missile fell into the sea with no reports of any damage at this time. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that no evidence of harm from the North Korean missile has been found so far, and authorities are keeping a vigilant watch.
North Korea launched a nuclear-armed short-range ballistic missile on Friday, confirmed by Tokyo and Seoul. This missile ended its journey in the sea outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi conveyed to media that the missile fell outside the EEZ, an area extending up to 200 nautical miles (around 370 kilometers) from Japan's shores.
Information Provided by Japan and South Korea
Japan's defense ministry reported that the missile was launched from North Korea's western coast toward the east, traveling approximately 450 kilometers. South Korea's military noted that they swiftly tracked the launch, indicating that the missile was fired from the northwest area near the Chinese border and flew about 700 kilometers. Seoul stated that it has shared the missile's launch information with the United States and Japan.
North Korea's Ongoing Missile Tests
On October 28, North Korea tested nuclear-capable, sea-launched cruise missiles, perceived as a message to then U.S. President Donald Trump, who was meeting Prime Minister Takaichi in Tokyo at the time. A week earlier, right after Takaichi assumed office, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles.
A Potential Meeting Between Trump and Kim
Friday's launch followed Trump’s Indo-Pacific tour, during which he visited Japan and South Korea. During the tour, Trump mentioned his readiness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, considering easing sanctions or extending the visit. Although the meeting didn't occur, South Korea's intelligence agency stated this week that the possibility remains for a summit between Trump and Kim post-March.
