North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area on Sunday, according to officials in South Korea and Japan. The first traveled roughly 450 kilometers, while the second flew more than 600 kilometers before falling into the sea.
Neither missile was reported to have landed inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Japanese officials lodged a diplomatic protest, and South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the tests as violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
A familiar cycle of tests and warnings
The launches came after North Korea criticized military exercises involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan. Pyongyang has repeatedly described such drills as preparations for attack, while the participating governments say the exercises are defensive and necessary for readiness.
Diplomatic talks over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs have remained stalled. The latest tests underline the difficulty of restarting negotiations while Pyongyang continues to expand its weapons capabilities and strengthen ties with Russia and China.