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North Korea launched several ballistic missiles into its eastern waters this Sunday, in a new military demonstration that heightens tension in the region. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that the projectiles were fired from the area of the North Korean capital and traveled about 900 kilometers before falling into the sea.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense described the launches as a violation of the resolutions of the UN Security Council and demanded that Pyongyang cease "its provocative actions" and resume dialogue to restore peace on the peninsula.
Japan confirmed at least two launches and warned that they represent "a serious threat to regional and global security," according to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, as cited by Euro News.
The tests occurred just a few hours after the United States confirmed the capture of Nicolás Maduro in a military raid in Venezuela and only a few hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung traveled to China to meet with his counterpart Xi Jinping.
Seoul is seeking for Beijing—North Korea's main ally—to play a "constructive role" in the denuclearization of the peninsula, but has expressed interest in acquiring a nuclear submarine, and this news has not been well received by North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, who has also bolstered his diplomatic credentials by aligning with Russia over its war in Ukraine and strengthening his relations with China.
From Washington, the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) reported that it is “in close consultation with allies and partners” and specified that, according to initial assessments, the launches “do not pose an immediate threat” to U.S. territory or its allies.
However, he reiterated as a clear warning his "firm commitment to the defense" of the United States and its allies in the region.
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