18-3-2024 (SEOUL) Amidst the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to South Korea for the Summit for Democracy, North Korea has fired a ballistic missile, according to Seoul’s military. The missile launch occurred while Blinken is in Seoul to attend the summit and hold talks with his Korean counterpart.
The joint military training exercises between the United States and South Korea, which concluded last week, have already strained tensions with North Korea. The annual exercises were met with angry reactions from Pyongyang, leading to retaliatory drills and escalating tensions in the region.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea launched an unspecified ballistic missile towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. Japan confirmed the launch, with the Japan Coast Guard stating that the objects appeared to have already fallen.
This missile test follows the recently concluded Freedom Shield exercises, which aimed to enhance South Korean and American deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. The 11-day joint drills drew criticism from Pyongyang, which warned of consequences for Seoul and Washington. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claimed to have guided an artillery unit capable of striking the South Korean capital.
North Korea has consistently condemned joint military drills conducted by the United States and South Korea, considering them as preparations for an invasion. In response to previous exercises of this nature, North Korea has conducted weapons tests.
The ballistic missile test conducted on Monday marks North Korea’s second such launch this year, with the previous test involving a maneuverable hypersonic warhead on January 14.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Seoul ahead of the democracy summit, which will run from March 18 to 20. The summit aims to bring together government officials, NGOs, and civil society members to discuss democratic values and cooperation.
Seoul holds significant importance as a key regional ally for Washington, with approximately 27,000 American soldiers stationed in South Korea to provide protection against the nuclear-armed North. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been actively strengthening ties with the United States and attempting to improve relations with Japan to enhance security against North Korean threats.
Throughout this year, North Korea has escalated tensions by declaring South Korea its “principal enemy,” dismantling agencies dedicated to reunification efforts, and issuing threats of war over even minor territorial infringements.
During his visit, Secretary Blinken will hold discussions with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul to explore ways to enhance the alliance and improve their “extended deterrence” against North Korea.
Although the democracy summit has received criticism for its selective invitation list, excluding countries such as Thailand and Turkey that consider themselves democratic, it aims to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among participating nations.
Following his visit to Seoul, Secretary Blinken will travel to the Philippines to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its ally and strengthen ties in the face of regional challenges, particularly in countering China’s influence.
