Sunday’s launches came hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, for talks expected to cover North Korea’s nuclear programme.
– The missiles flew about 900 kilometres.
– South Korea’s Defence Ministry noted the launches violated UN Security Council resolutions that ban any ballistic activities by North Korea. It urged North Korea to cease provocative actions immediately and respond to South Korea’s push to restart talks and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula.
– The launches came hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. During the four-day trip, Lee’s office said he would request China, North Korea’s major ally and biggest trading partner, to take “a constructive role” in efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.
– Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said that at least two missile launches by North Korea had been confirmed. “They are a serious problem, threatening the peace and security of our nation, the region and the world,” Koizumi told reporters.
– According to the Japanese government sources, the missiles fell down outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. No damage was reported. Nevertheless, coastal guards warn ships in this area against approaching potential missile fragments.
– North Korea hasn’t announced when it will hold the congress, but South Korea’s spy service said it will likely occur in January or February.
– Later Sunday, South Korea convened an emergency national security council meeting to discuss the North Korean missile launches. The council reported details of the launches and unspecified South Korean steps to Lee, according to the presidential office.
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