North Korea Test-Fires Ballistic Missile, Escalating Tensions in East Asia

KRKorea|

On January 6, 2025, North Korea conducted a test launch of a ballistic missile that flew approximately 1,100 kilometers before landing in the East Sea, as reported by South Korea's military. This launch occurred while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in South Korea for diplomatic meetings. North Korean officials have not yet disclosed the specifics of the missile launched.

In response to Pyongyang's action, South Korea fired its own ballistic missile into the sea as a demonstration of military strength. The South Korean military emphasized that it has heightened surveillance and is closely coordinating with the United States and Japan to monitor for any further missile launches.

This missile test marks North Korea’s first missile launch of the year and comes just ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Blinken condemned North Korea's actions during his visit, directly addressing the provocation alongside South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.

The missile launch comes amid concerns that Russia may share advanced missile technology with North Korea, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

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